Task Force: New Tax System

Congratulations!

You have been selected to design an entirely new tax system for the United States. Your task is to ensure that enough revenue is collected, while also justifying it to all the citizens. 

Why Are We Doing This?

The United States tax system functions on both a national and state level (both of which have their own independent authority). Approximately 95% of U.S. citizens believe that it is, “every American’s civic duty to pay their fair share of taxes” Here, we ask you to try and reform the national tax system of the United States. 

Steps:

1. Before you begin, research some information about the United States tax system. Find information about the various strengths and weaknesses of the system as well as surrounding controversies. 
2. Then, try to design an entirely new tax system for the United States. 
   1. What does your new tax system look like?
   2. How is it different from the current system?
   3. How will you ensure enough revenue is collected by the government?
   4. Where will you raise taxes?
   5. Where will you cut taxes?
   6. How will you justify this new tax system to everyone?
3. Think through the possible objections about your newly designed tax system that someone might have. 
4. Share with the group and see if you can convince them that your newly designed tax system will accomplish the listed goals and be appealing to citizens of various socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You do not have to come up with an exhaustive list of guidelines for your new tax system. Focus on a few you are prepared to defend.
• Try to reform current characteristics of the tax system that are criticized. 
• Consider comparing the United States tax system to other countries.