Proposed, 14, November 2024
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The Sixteenth Article of Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
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No direct tax shall be applied to Citizens of the United States of America.
11 Likes
Policy Position: Eliminating Income and Property Taxes to Restore Fiscal Responsibility and Empower Local Governance
The elimination of income and property taxes is not only a return to foundational American values but also a necessary step to rectify rampant government inefficiency and wasteful spending. This policy proposes a restructuring of federal and state tax systems, rooted in historical precedent, fiscal prudence, and respect for state sovereignty.
Historical Context: A Nation Without Income Taxes
Before the ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913, the United States thrived without an income tax. The federal government relied primarily on tariffs, excise taxes, and land sales, maintaining modest expenditures aligned with its constitutional responsibilities. Economic growth during this period was robust, with America becoming an industrial powerhouse.
- START BY REPEALING THE 16TH AMMENDMENT!
Property taxes, similarly, were initially designed to fund localized needs. However, over time, they have evolved into a burdensome mechanism that undermines property rights and disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income Americans.
The U.S. first imposed a federal income tax during the Civil War, in 1861, as a TEMPORARY measure to raise revenue for war expenses. The Revenue Act of 1861 introduced the concept of a federal income tax, setting a rate of 3% on annual incomes over $800, which was a considerable amount at the time. The tax was later revised by the Revenue Act of 1862, which introduced a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 3% to 5%, depending on income. However, this tax was repealed in 1872, and for the next several decades, the federal government primarily relied on tariffs and excise taxes.
The modern federal income tax was established in 1913 following the un-constitutional ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment, which allowed Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states. That year, Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1913, setting a 1% tax rate on personal incomes above $3,000 for individuals (about $85,000 today) and a top rate of 7% on incomes above $500,000 (around $14 million today). Some will argue that the passing of this amendment was unconstitutional but regardless of how we arrived at this tax it needs to be repealed.
Due to endless wars designed to create massive economic burden by design to the “taxpayer” we have found ourselves in a perpetual game of catch up with a once “temporary” tax to fund a war into a perpetual funding of many unjustified wars that not only drain our individual wealth but come at the expense of the health and well-being of our American Soldiers and their families.
The Problem: Exploding Federal Bureaucracy and Waste
- Massive Growth in Government:
- Since the introduction of the income tax, the size and scope of the federal government have ballooned:
- Agencies and Employees: In 1900, the federal government employed fewer than 300,000 people. Today, that number exceeds 2.8 million civilian employees, not including contractors and military personnel.
- Agencies: There are over 430 federal agencies, many of which overlap with state and local functions or duplicate efforts across departments.
- Budget: Federal spending has skyrocketed from **$2.4 billion in 1900 (adjusted for inflation) to $6.4 trillion in 2024, much of it on programs and projects far removed from constitutional mandates.
- Non-Critical Spending:
- A significant portion of federal spending is directed toward non-critical programs and wasteful initiatives:
- A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report identified over $200 billion annually in duplicative programs and improper payments.
- Examples include redundant education programs (handled better at the state level) and federal grants for studies with questionable utility.
- National Debt:
- The national debt now exceeds $33 trillion, equivalent to over120% of GDP, demonstrating that the problem is not insufficient taxation but unsustainable spending.
- The Case for Eliminating Income and Property Taxes:
- Economic Growth and Prosperity
- Income taxes suppress productivity, discourage investment, and reduce take-home pay for working Americans. Historical tax cuts, such as those under Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Trump, consistently spurred economic growth by leaving more money in the hands of individuals and businesses.
- Eliminating property taxes would protect property ownership, incentivize long-term investment, and reduce financial strain on homeowners, particularly retirees.
- Reducing Government Waste
- Removing income taxes would necessitate a smaller federal government, forcing a prioritization of spending on constitutional essentials like national defense and infrastructure.
- Consolidating federal agencies and devolving redundant functions to the states would lead to significant savings while empowering local governments to address issues more efficiently.
- Respecting State Sovereignty
- The federal government’s expansion into areas like education, healthcare, and transportation has eroded state autonomy. Returning these responsibilities to states would promote tailored solutions and encourage inter-state innovation.
- Simplifying the Tax System
- A simplified tax system, such as one based on consumption taxes (e.g., a federal sales tax or value-added tax), is transparent, fair, and efficient. It shifts the tax burden to discretionary spending rather than penalizing income or property ownership.
Implementation: A Roadmap to Fiscal Responsibility:
- Eliminate Income Taxes
- Gradually phase out federal and state income taxes over a decade.
- Replace with a consumption-based tax capped to prevent excessive burdens on low-income households.
- End Property Taxes
- Transition property tax funding responsibilities to state-level consumption taxes or user fees.
- Federal Government Reform
- Eliminate redundant federal agencies and consolidate essential functions.
- Cap federal spending at a percentage of GDP to ensure fiscal discipline.
- Conduct regular audits of all federal programs, cutting waste and fraud.
- Devolution to the States
- Return education, healthcare, and welfare program management to the states, where they are more effectively managed.
- Provide states with block grants, if necessary, during the transition to ensure continuity.
Conclusion:
The elimination of income and property taxes represents a return to the principles of limited government and individual liberty that fueled America’s early success. By addressing the root cause of our fiscal challenges—wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy—this policy prioritizes economic growth, respects property rights, and empowers state and local governance. It is a bold but necessary step toward restoring accountability and prosperity for all Americans. In short all the taxation policies or suggestions on Policies for the People / Economy will fail without Repeal of Amendment 16.
It seems most contributors do not realize their policy suggestions would be temporary (Administration dependent) without Repeal of Amendment 16. Amendment 16 is the Root Cause behind Our failed tax system. It has brought to light the need for the majority of tax proposals listed on the Sight. For that reason, I feel merging decision that encourages everyone to learn about the effects of Amendment 16 will benefit understanding and discussion. I hope this will result in a real concreate solution to Our taxation issues. When users and Citizens learn the difference between direct and indirect taxation understanding will increase. Users and Citizens will realize Repeal of Amendment 16 will force Government to end direct taxation, replacing direct taxation with indirect taxation. I feel they will then see the need for and support Repeal.
27 Likes
“Neighborly” Nebraska used to have No Sales or Income Tax. What happened?
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those that take power (in this case power of taxation) once obtained are unlikely to ever give it back, thus why we the people must demand it or take it back as our founding fathers obligated us to do. They forget that they work for us, spending like drunken sailors with ZERO accountability and ZERO transparency and ZERO remorse.
We have accepted this fraud for far too long under this crown corporation that is portraying itself as our government. Time for this waste to end.
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Absolutely. We would all be much better off with 95% less government.
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There should be no taxes or tariffs, they cause inflation. The government should run as a capitalistic entity raising funds through profits. Simply ban trade with Asia, Africa and ME. The government may fill in the gap.
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I am very much for eliminating income taxes, but I am not seeing in this plan a process for raising revenues that is meaningful when needed . We do need some government departments. Defense, the boarder patrol ( that is a whole other topic ).
I am generally in favor of replacing the current system with the Fair Tax. I would recommend the book titled the same by Neal Boortz and John Linder.
It’s been brought up a few times in congress with this being the most recent attempt
(https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/25)
Hello:
Please consider my proposal to amend the United States Constitution Amendment sixteen. My proposed amendment would eliminate direct taxation and restore the Founders concept of allowing only indirect taxation in the United States. This would restore the original sprit of Our Constitution establishing Citizen control over taxation. This will end the tyranny of taxation as it pertains to Property Ownership. Currently you effectively do not own Property. If this was not the case you would not fear loosing your Property when you are unable to make Property Tax payments. This applies to all Personal Property. It also applies to savings. Family farms will no longer be in jeopardy because of Property Taxes. Repealing Amendment 16 will end the punishment for owing and saving. Citizens would again be allowed to say NO to taxation they feel is excessive or unjust. Feel free to share this information and link.
Thank you for Your consideration, Fred Walker
2 Likes
This bill represents a good start, however it does not address the myriad of other taxes mentioned in my policy proposal. I believe that as our DOGE leadership team starts to unravel the ball of yarn associated with our national (federal spending) we will find that there is more than enough money to fund those critical projects and national security (military, cyber and others) fully.
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The printing of money to over flood the market is what causes inflation .
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100% the fiat debt currency system where money is printed out of thin air and is backed by nothing other than the American worker and their lifelong “taxable income” has sold every man, woman and child into perpetual financial bondage as a debt slave to the globalist banking cartel (FED/IRS)…
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Taxation and Tariffs also cause inflation. We need to get the government to stop taxation. The government should earn profits just like the private industries.
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While I appreciate the sentiment, this would not be possible. Our government requires funds to operate and has no real ability to generate those funds without taxes.
I agree with the abolishment of income tax (and property tax) and an increase on sales tax. We don’t need to be double-triple-quadruple dipped on taxes.
With a large reduction in government size and spending, a moderate sales tax only model could potentially cover expenses. Our military is expensive, and I will never be for a downsize there.
Peace Through Strength
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The Repeal of Amendment 16 would not end taxation. It will eliminate “direct” taxation. This returns Citizens Rights that were suppressed and or destroyed by Amendment 16. This is one of two Amendments that took Rights from the Citizenry. Amendment 17 was the other. A return to indirect and equal taxation returns the Citizens ability to say a tax is unfair or too extreme. Suppose you have a choice to reserve a hotel room in a city with a $20.00 per night room occupancy tax or you can stay just out side of town and pay a $2.00 room occupancy tax. The control is in the choice. Repeal of Amendment 16 returns this choice and control to We the People. It will remove government ability to take Our money and delete Our choice. Thank you for your consideration.
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Want to lower taxes in a jiffy? Axe 90% of government.
“Reduction Through Removal”
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That would do it until a new administration. That is why I promote the Amendment. Have a Blessed Day
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Congress never listed the subject citizen of the 16th. It does not apply to you and me. Congress makes the law. Income tax is misapplied and misenforced by the criminal syndicate masquerading as government.
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Elimination of IRS / Reduction in Taxation Proposals a summarization of What most Citizens don’t know!
This is a partial list of Policies listed under Economy:
“Abolish the IRS, Simplify The Tax Code, end Self Employment Tax, Flat Sales Tax, End Property Taxes, Veterans Should Be Tax Exempt, IRS Dismantling, End Federal Income Tax in Favor of National Sales Tax, No Tax on Homes or Land After Payoff, No Taxes for Seniors, Rev. Al Sharpton should be paying taxes, Eliminate Capital Gains Tax on Housing, No Capital Gains Tax, One Time Roth Conversion Plan, Estate Tax, Taxes Paid to the State not Federal Government, .1 Cent Tax on Stock Market Transactions, Stay at Home Mom Income, Property Owners Taxation, No Property Tax on Primary Home, Implement a National Consumption Tax Effectively Eliminating IRS and Federal Income Tax, Less Government Intervention Eliminate Taxes for Small Business, Student Loan Payments are Tax Creditable, End the IRS by Implementing a Flat Sales Tax, Abolishing of Property Taxes, No Federal Tax On, Tax Elimination Strategy, Tax Remittances, Simplify the Tax Code Eliminate the IRS, Raise IRS Reporting Limits on Casino Winnings, Raise Casino Jackpot Amount W2/ Taxes, Replace Income Tax With a National Sales Tax on Online Sales, End All Inventory Tax, Pre Tax Student Loan Repayment, Flat Tax, Simplify Tax Policy, End All Income Tax, “
Each of these Proposals fail to attack the Root Cause of ALL Our Taxation Policies. 1913 Amendment 16 was passed and gave the government UNLIMITED Taxing authority.
Sixteenth Amendment
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
Under Amendment 16 the government can establish a UNLIMITED, UNEQUAL Tax on anything government defines as income!
Please understand the above listed Tax Policy Changes will not work. They are ALL dependent on a current Administrations ideologies and ability to change them where Taxation is concerned. A new Administration could come in and change or dispose of each listed Policy.
Please consider this proposal to amend the United States Constitution Amendment 16:
This proposed amendment would eliminate direct taxation and restore the Founders concept of indirect taxation in the United States. Some examples, Indirect Taxation equals NO Income Tax, Property Tax or anything other than equal Sales or Stamp Taxes.
This would restore the original sprit and Protections of Our Constitution Reestablishing Citizen control over taxation. Before Amendment 16 in 1913 government could not apply direct taxes on the Citizenry. Therefore Amendment 16 is the root cause of Our taxation problems. Repeal is mandatory and would solve 95+% of the suggestions listed above and on this sight.
Repealing Amendment 16 will end the tyranny of taxation as it pertains to Property Ownership. Currently you effectively do not own Property. If this was not the case you would not fear loosing your Property when you are unable to make Property Tax payments due to sickness or other unexpected expenses. Family farms would no longer be in jeopardy because of Property Taxes. These changes would apply to all Personal Property. There would be no unequal Income tax or other employment related taxation or taxation on savings & retirement.
In short, Repealing Amendment 16 will end the punishment for working, owning and saving. Citizens would again be allowed to say NO to taxation they feel is excessive or unjust. An example would be planing a vacation. You could choose between a location that has a State / County $20.00 per night Occupancy Tax versus a location that had a State / County $2.00 per night Occupancy Tax. The control is in the choice. Locations with extraordinarily high taxation would see receipts fall and go to locations with lower tax rates. The key is in providing the Citizens with choice and equality again. You may not like the tax but at least you know the person standing in line in front of you has paid the same tax you paid no more and no less. Choice and equality in taxation are what I believe the majority of Citizens are looking for.
Feel free to share this information and link.
Thank you for Your consideration, Fred Walker
Harts / likes are great but votes count. Please click the link (light blue) and vote for:
Look, I agree on repealing the 16th amendment, but can you cool it with the spamming? You just spammed your own post FFS.
Also: federally prohibiting property taxes should probably be a separate amendment.
Deleated