Did you ever wonder who writes the tax laws that now make a several thousand page book? It is those who are members of the Committee on Ways and Means of the US House of Representatives who has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs and other revenue-raising measures, as well as a number of entitlement programs including: Social Security, Unemployment benefits, Medicare, Enforcement of child support laws, Temporary assistance for needy families; and foster care and adoption programs. The counterpart of this committee in the US Senate is the Committee on Finance; but all bills regarding taxation must originate in the House of Representatives.

According to an AP Tax Writer from Associated Press, Mary Dalrymple:

“Three of the four senior lawmakers on the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees, the panels in charge of writing tax laws, turn to paid professionals to file their annual returns. …More than 60 percent of taxpayers use professionals to have their returns prepared and filed. The number typically increases a little each year.”

So, if those that make and maintain tax laws feel it is so complicated – why are they not pushing to reform the present tax system or rescind the 16^th Amendment? Why are they not working at passing the Fair Tax Act?

The preparation of income tax paperwork that must be performed annually and, for some, quarterly make up a lucrative multi-billion dollar industry. Do you think they are going to be supportive of tax reform or changing the tax system to a consumption tax?

Accountants will always be needed, whatever tax system we use, so what’s the problem?

The government spends (out of tax money collected) more than $75 million per year in order to collect taxes - this is just the paperwork.

Everyone needs to contact their representatives and senators to either enact the proposed legislation for a flat tax with little or no paperwork or, better for everyobe, pass Rep. John Linder’s (R-GA) proposal to do away with income tax and replace it with a flat consumption tax with no paperwork unless you are in retail or services business – and even then the paperwork is greatly reduced.

Make April 17^th just another day. Now is the time while it is fresh in your mind to contact your congressmen and women – demand a fair tax system, especially one that will keep the government out of a very personal item – the money you work for should be yours until you decide to spend it.