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Why should the government be entitled to it, though? The government has shown itself to be a terrible steward of wealth. I would rather we prioritize incentives
by umvi 7y ago
Why should the government be entitled to it, though? The government has shown itself to be a terrible steward of wealth. I would rather we prioritize incentives to use existing money more efficiently and cut wasteful spending vs. increasing the amount of money pouring into the coffers.
- DaiPlusPlus 7y agoThere is a difference between "the government" and "the state" (not US states, and may also refer to "the people"). It's not that the state is "entitled" to it any more than it's entitled to any other tax - but consider the state is responsible for society, economy and infrastructure: overall the state created value. Whereas what is the moral entitlement of someone who had the sheer fortitude to be born to someone who had amassed that much wealth? And if the state gets a decent amount of income from estate-taxes and it meets its budget-goals and creates value through spending it - or even if it chooses to lower taxes on everyone else instead, then consider who is the real net recipient of the estate tax revenue? - everyone.
- lonelappde 7y agoEstate tax could displace lower end income tax or sales tax.