A single mother in my town whose husband left her with two kids and won't pay child support because "Bambi" is high rent pays the same sales tax on a quart of milk as the trust fund baby who became a multi-millionaire when he exited his mother's womb. That's why scholars call it a regressive tax.
At the same time, it has always been one of the easier taxes to impose as its collection is done in small increments and may go relatively unnoticed unlike income tax which is proclaimed clearly and loudly each April.
It's been a popular tax to pass traditionally, the sales tax has. In my state, the highway department has even chosen to fund its work with the sales tax in lieu of charging the folks directly who use the highways. That way, the single mother mentioned above, who walks to her job cleaning houses, pays for the out-of-state truckers to use our roads.
It has always been a more popular tax than one actually based on income, say one with which the trust fund baby mentioned above pays tax on wealth. Incidentally, a powerful cabal that includes a high percentage of those trust fund babies mentioned above has recently ordered national legislators to reduce the income tax on high-wealth individuals and families. They much prefer the sales tax so a billionaire who inherited vast wealth won't have to pay more than you or I for our next Tesla. They enjoy what you and I might call "The Lucky Sperm" privilege that removes the income tax and relies on the sales tax.
Yep, it's been popular.
Until now.
Folks are beginning to notice. On-line retailers are even noting it on their sales. So legislators are squirming and looking for ways to reduce the impact. Our state, our counties, and our cities all depend upon the sales tax revenue for operation. It is now becoming a target.
One wonders which entity is in the most danger.
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