Taxes and the Fair Tax

America’s current tax system is complex, confusing and burdensome to taxpayers while impeding our nation’s economic growth. Americans deserve better. We need a common-sense tax system that is simple and growth-oriented.

In 2009, I again became a sponsor of the Fair Tax Act, H.R. 25, which would repeal all corporate and individual income taxes, payroll taxes, self-employment taxes, capital gains taxes, estate taxes and gift taxes, enacting instead a national sales tax on retail purchases. This legislation has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over tax matters.

As a supporter of lower taxes for the American people, I have long supported issues that limit government spending and additional taxation.

It is critically important to enact legislation to relieve the increasing burden of the Alternative Minimum Tax on average Americans. In December of 2008, I supported a one year patch to extend AMT exemption amounts. This temporary fix was necessary to ensure that middle-class Kansans would not be subjected to higher income taxes when their income levels remain unchanged.

Originally enacted in 1969, the AMT was designed to make sure the wealthy paid their fair share of taxes. However, the original law was not indexed for inflation causing more Americans to fall under the tax each year. By patching the AMT, more Kansans will avoid this tax until a permanent solution can be found. It is my hope that this patch will give Congress the time it needs to permanently reform the AMT. I will remember your thoughts as Congress considers the AMT in the future.