Optional Higher Tax

Some folks may recall that about a decade ago the State of Massachusetts incorporated a feature on income tax forms which allowed people to pay an optional higher tax. The action was taken by the legislature to appease those taxpayers who believe they should pay more.

I've no inclination to chase down links describing the tax scheme but I remember it clearly since my reaction was a burst of laughter. One followup report indicated that the response to optional taxation was laughably miniscule, confirming the appropriateness of my initial reaction.

In any event, a bill was introduced in Congress yesterday to add an optional donation box to IRS forms to make it easier for Americans to donate more than they owe. I'm chuckling already.

The bill is being called the "Buffet Rule" after billionaire Warren Buffet and it's intended to "put pressure on lawmakers that advocate for higher taxes but do not voluntarily contribute their own money in taxes."

Heh. It would be embarrassingly difficult for congressmen to justify votes for tax increases if they hadn't first opted to donate additional money on their own tax returns.