Commentary

Your annual physical, new tires for your car, going to a funeral: These are all things we must endure from time to time, and it is never pleasant. Another annual unpleasantry is just days away—it’s the dreaded Tax Day, and it arrives on Monday, April 15. Now before you panic, become angry, nervous, or irritated, please remember that Tax Day arrives with good news this year and every year, which I will explain.

As a life-long Republican, I often object to views held and expressed by my friends and associates on the other side of the aisle. However, while we often disagree on policy, agendas, legislation, and more, I am at least open-minded and willing to listen to what my political counterparts have to say. To that end, something they keep saying is that the wealthy need to start paying their “fair share,” and of course they’re talking about taxes.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and many prominent lawmakers on the left keep repeating that same mantra. “The wealthy need to pay their fair share!” Here’s the deal, and it’s tough to admit, but I finally agree, and if you’re a card-carrying member of the monied class, listen up because even I’m saying it ... it’s time for the wealthy to pay their fair share!

Look at the numbers. According to Forbes, income for the “average” American is close to $60,000, and for arguments sake, let’s say someone who earns 10 times that amount, or $600,000 is wealthy.

The guy who made $60,000 will pay about 22 percent in taxes, so he’ll face a $13,200 tax bill. The guy who makes $600,000 will be taxed at about 37 percent and he’ll face a $222,000 tax bill. You may disagree, but the way I see it, the numbers just do not add up. The guy with the $222,000 tax bill is simply not paying his “fair share.” He’s not!

What’s fair about a guy doing more, working harder, perhaps acquiring an advanced degree, and earning more than the average American, only to be forced to pay nearly 17 times more in taxes than the guy who made $60,000!? I’m not saying the guy who made $60,000 bucks is an uneducated, lazy oaf, but at the same time, why should those who earn 10 times more pay 17 times more in taxes than the average American? The guy who earns more isn’t using more tax-supported resources, such as roads, highways, bridges, and airports. He’s not benefiting more from the U.S. military or from anything else which the federal government provides for every citizen. And another thing—isn’t “wealthy” a subjective term? Who’s in charge of deciding who is wealthy?

Tax forms from previous years are displayed at Latino Taxes in Oakland, Calif., on April 10, 2007. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

If this “progressive tax” system is the best way to tax our fellow citizens, then why aren’t we taxing everything this way?

If two people each buy a house on the same street at the same time for a similar amount, should the property tax be higher for the guy who makes more money?

If two people each buy comparable products at Wal-Mart, should the sales tax be higher for the person who earns more?

To my knowledge, taxes on utility bills are even across the board, regardless of how much or how little each person finds in their direct deposit every Friday.

Does the higher earning American pay more in fuel taxes when he picks up 12 to 15 gallons of unleaded every week? If you’re driving an EV, you can ignore that part.

How about we each earn what we earn and everyone pays a similar percentage of their income? If each person is taxed a like amount, 20 percent for example, wouldn’t that be fairer and more equitable? The wealthy will still be paying more than the average American and substantially more at that, but it sure sounds more “fair” and reasonable to me. If the government keeps taking more and more from top earners, aren’t they simply removing the incentive to work hard? People labeled as wealthy should not be demonized, penalized, vilified, or forced to surrender what is rightfully theirs.

Let’s simplify the tax code, shore up the loopholes, create a system that is workable for everyone, and all without exorbitant penalties for those who simply earn more than the average Joe.

Mr. President, Madam Vice President, and those in the “it’s time for the wealthy to pay their fair share” camp, I’ve seen the light, I’m with you, I’m on your side, and it’s time for a change.

You, Mr. or Mrs. Wealthy American, you are now on notice and not just from the liberal left, but from me, an average Joe and a Republican who demands that you finally, finally begin to pay your “fair” share.

Oh, I almost forgot about the good news part. Tax Day is, in fact on Monday, April 15, but if you request an extension, your deadline to file is Oct. 15, 2024, and that extension applies fairly and equally to average, below average, and even “wealthy” taxpayers.