Some individuals suggest that the compulsory responsibility of paying taxes should be waived so that people can keep their whole income. I totally disagree with this school of thought based on some reasons that are elucidated further in this essay.
Firstly, tax payment is not a loss but a gain. At first glance, it might seem like a permanent loss to taxpayers since their income is directly deducted, especially of those with high earnings. But when zooming out and seeing the big picture, paying taxes is actually a strategic investment conducted by a group of educated ruling elite people called “the government” on behalf of individuals that will eventually return high societal and economical profits in their favor. For example, the government uses income taxes to finance educational public funds, resulting in lower or even free public school tuition. This not only helps alleviate financial burdens of lower and middle income households but also provides children from different backgrounds with an access to standard education.
Secondly, the overarching purpose of taxation is for the betterment of the economy and all citizens who are living in it, transcending the good of any individual. When imposing and allocating taxes properly, all children from ones who live in rural areas to urban youngsters can go to school, all citizens from the poor to the rich can gain access to medical services, all the elderly from those who age alone to ones who have family’s support can receive social welfare. This is what we call “equality” – where people regardless of their background and socioeconomic status are given the right to access standard services and goods that promote their wellbeing as a human. Furthermore, taxation also helps promote the idea of “equity” – where different people have different rights and responsibilities, depending on their personal backgrounds and socioeconomic status. For example, the higher one’s income, the higher tax they have to pay. Therefore, the scenario where the affluent have an absolute advantage over low and middle income earners is averted.
In conclusion, I oppose the suggestion that citizens should be free from tax obligations because not only will taxes return to individuals and benefit them in the long term but also promote social and economic development.