Before we proceed allow a repost of the following to ensure you understand the basics of the so-called “flat” tax.
As you look over the following graphic, you may want to ask,”why would any US politicians espouse and campaign on a flat tax. Moreover, why would the GOP to the person seek to instill such a tax system in our nation?
Flat Tax
DEFINITION OF ‘FLAT TAX’
A system that applies the same tax rateto everytaxpayer regardless of income bracket. A flat tax applies the same tax rate to all taxpayers, with no deductions or exemptionsallowed. Supporters of a flat tax system propose that it would give taxpayers incentive to earn more because they would not be penalized with a higher tax bracket. In addition, supporters argue that a flat tax system is fairer because it imposed the tax on all taxpayers regardless of income.
BREAKING DOWN ‘FLAT TAX’
In the United States, a progressive-rate tax system is used. In 2010, for example, people who earned up to $8,375 fell into the 10% tax bracket; people who earned greater than $373,650 fell into the 35% tax bracket.
In a progressive taxsystem, individuals who make more money are taxed at a higher rate. Many of the countries that have imposed a flat tax rate system on individuals and businesses, including Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, have experienced economic growth since adopting flat tax rate policies.
The Tampa Bay Times, Politifact, recently published a review of GOP candidate tax plans. We have posted below graphics related to each plan. We highly encourage clicking the link to the Politifact page for much more detail.
Herewith is a summary excerpt from the piece with brief snippets regarding each plan (with an exception for those who have not detailed a plan).
Excerpt
But many of the candidates’ own claims about their tax plans were not grounded in facts. What’s more, experts said, the idea that you could cut taxes without blowing up the federal debt is mathematically and politically impossible.
Donald Trump’s not-so revenue neutral tax plan
Trump, the GOP frontrunner, released his formal tax plan in September, which aims to (you guessed it) “make America great again” through a variety of tax changes:
The hole in Ben Carson’s tithe-based tax planCarson, the former neurosurgeon, has yet to release a formal tax plan. This is what he has proposed so far:
Marco Rubio’s tax plan and the working classFlorida Sen. Marco Rubio has seen an uptick in the polls thanks to his performance in the CNBC debate. He has proposed the following:
Ted Cruz’s growth promiseDuring the debate, Texas Sen. Cruz touted what his plan would accomplish for the economy. Here are some of its features:
Jeb Bush’s tax plan and the middle classFormer Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s proposal emphasizes streamlining the tax code. Here’s the plan:
We remind the Politifact link provides a rating for each tax plan claim. Hint: Not one of the delineated plans rates above half-true.
Let me tell you how it will be There’s one for you, nineteen for me Cos I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small Be thankful I don’t take it all Cos I’m the taxman, yeah I’m the taxman
If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat If you get too cold I’ll tax the heat If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet
Taxman! Cos I’m the taxman, yeah I’m the taxman…..
With Ben Carson’s tax plan, he had a system where you pay according to your ability. Now, if you pay according to your ability, how will the rich not technically be paying more in taxes? Ted Cruz had a 10% personal income tax and a flat business tax at 16%. Rick Santorum had a tax plan where earned income and Capital Gains were taxed at 20%. Why should you pay 20% if you get money from labor and pay nothing if you get money from investments? Now, what I would do is call for a drastic reduction in federal spending. I would also get rid of a few federal departments. Money not paying for those would be returned to the taxpayers, particularly low income tax payers.
The Pardu's Scroll 
With Ben Carson’s tax plan, he had a system where you pay according to your ability. Now, if you pay according to your ability, how will the rich not technically be paying more in taxes? Ted Cruz had a 10% personal income tax and a flat business tax at 16%. Rick Santorum had a tax plan where earned income and Capital Gains were taxed at 20%. Why should you pay 20% if you get money from labor and pay nothing if you get money from investments? Now, what I would do is call for a drastic reduction in federal spending. I would also get rid of a few federal departments. Money not paying for those would be returned to the taxpayers, particularly low income tax payers.