Health
Speak Out: Death Taxes
No, you can't take it with you -- but your heirs sure can pay taxes on it after you go!
Republican wording in the $792 billion tax-cutting budget proposal making its way to Congress would eliminate the controversial estate tax first signed into law early in the century by Theodore Roosevelt -- a Republican. GOP congresspeople say the move will save taxpayers about $60 million over the next 10 years.
But Democrats say reducing the inheritance tax is just another way of making sure the rich get theirs -- even after they're gone. One of their key arguments: The inheritance tax equalizes wealth.
What do you think? Has the time come to let individuals pass on the fruits of their labor to their families and heirs without penalty?
Or should the tax be continued as part of a policy of economic fairness and redistribution of wealth?
Speak out on the ThirdAge Opinion Page.
Republican wording in the $792 billion tax-cutting budget proposal making its way to Congress would eliminate the controversial estate tax first signed into law early in the century by Theodore Roosevelt -- a Republican. GOP congresspeople say the move will save taxpayers about $60 million over the next 10 years.
But Democrats say reducing the inheritance tax is just another way of making sure the rich get theirs -- even after they're gone. One of their key arguments: The inheritance tax equalizes wealth.
What do you think? Has the time come to let individuals pass on the fruits of their labor to their families and heirs without penalty?
Or should the tax be continued as part of a policy of economic fairness and redistribution of wealth?
Speak out on the ThirdAge Opinion Page.
