Title: Progressive Tax System: Definition, Pros & Cons - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: Progressive Tax System: Definition, Pros & Cons
Progressive Tax System: Definition, Pros & Cons
Lesson Transcript
What Is a Progressive Tax System?
Pros of the Progressive Tax System
Cons of the Progressive Tax System
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Progressive Tax System: Definition, Pros & Cons
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Content: Cons of the Progressive Tax System
However, there are also some cons to the progressive tax system. Discrimination - One of the most common arguments against a progressive tax is that it doesn't truly promote equality among individuals. Someone might ask or say the following: ' How is it fair that I have to pay a higher percentage of my income than the guy across town who makes less money?' ' I certainly don't get to cast more votes even though I provide more money to the federal tax base.' To proponents of this argument, a flat tax ,or tax where everyone pays the same percentage, would be more fair. Class Warfare - This is the conflict and tension that can result between the different socioeconomic classes because of how priorities and interests differ. If a wealthy individual works 60 hours a week and has made a lot of money, he or she may have a problem with giving a higher percentage of income to help pay for welfare programs where they believe some individuals just aren't motivated enough to improve their situation. On the other hand, individuals with lower income may believe wealthy people in society are simply self-serving and don't understand the obstacles faced by individuals with lower income. As a result, they might view replacing the progressive tax as an act of class warfare.