by Dan Mitchell | Sep 8, 2018 | Blogs, Taxation, VAT
The value-added tax was first imposed in Europe starting about 50 years ago. Politicians in nations like France approve of this tax because it is generally hidden, so it is relatively easy to periodically raise the rate. And that’s the reason I am vociferously opposed...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 28, 2018 | Big Government, Blogs, Government Spending, Taxation
Shortly after the fiscal crisis began in Greece, I explained that the country got in trouble because of too much government spending. More specifically, I pointed out that the country was violating my Golden Rule, which meant that the burden of spending was rising...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 23, 2018 | Big Government, Blogs, Energy, Taxation
I’ve been writing about proposed carbon taxes since 2012. My message is simple and straightforward. It’s possible to design a carbon tax that is theoretically appealing. Simply use all the revenue to get rid of some other tax that causes greater economic harm, such as...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 21, 2018 | Big Government, Blogs, Taxation
When I argue against tax increases, I generally rely on two compelling points. Higher taxes will undermine prosperity by penalizing productive behavior. More money for politicians will trigger more spending, so red ink will increase. When I argue against...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 14, 2018 | Blogs, States, Taxation
The best budget rule in the United States is Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Known as TABOR, this provision in the state’s constitution says revenues can’t grow faster than population plus inflation. Any revenue greater than that amount must be returned to...
