Yes, you as an individual can get tax credits. If you own foreign stocks, you pay foreign taxes and get a US tax credit for the foreign taxes paid. Or if you

Yes, you as an individual can get tax credits. If you own foreign stocks, you pay foreign taxes and get a US tax credit for the foreign taxes paid. Or if you lose money on a stock (and realize the loss by selling), you get tax credits. Sounds like you're questioning the validity of the concept of a tax credit, a fundamental and necessary component of income taxation. Income taxation is economically inefficient, but if it's implemented, deductions / credits are vital.