Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
1. Define taxation.
taxation is the practice of collecting taxes (money) from citizens based on their
earnings and property. The main purpose of taxation is to raise revenue for the
services and income supports the community needs.
Examples (fund police and courts, have a military, build and maintain roads)
Ability to pay theory – presupposes that taxation should also consider the
taxpayers ability to pay. Taxpayers should be required to contribute
based on their relative capacity to sacrifice for the support of the
government
Example: A has 200, 000 income while B has 400 000. In taxing income,
the government should tax B more than A because B has greater income;
hence, a greater capacity to contribute
While
Horizontal equity requires consideration of the particular circumstances
of the taxpayers.
Example: For example, both A and B has 300 000 income, A is single
without a child while B is married with four children. In taxing income, the
government should tax A more than B because A has greater capacity to
contribute considering the support requirements of his dependents.
Vertical equity is a method of collecting income tax in which the taxes paid increase
with the amount of earned income. The driving principle behind vertical equity is that
those who have the ability to pay more taxes should contribute more than those who are
not.
While
Horizontal equity is an economic theory that states that individuals with
similar income and assets should pay the same amount in taxes.
Horizontal equity should apply to individuals considered equal regardless
of the tax system in place. The more neutral a tax system is the more
horizontally equitable it is considered to be.
7. Distinguish the three powers of the state and enumerate their similarities.
True or False
1. The constitutional exemption of religious, charitable, and non-profit
cemeteries churches and mosques refers to income tax and real property
tax.
2. Taxpayers under the same circumstances should be taxed differently
3. Taxation is subject to inherent and constitutional limitations.
4. International comity connotes courtesy between nations.
5. Collection of taxes in the absence of a law is violate of the constitutional
requirement due process.
6. The scope of taxation is regarded as comprehensive, plenary, unlimited,
and supreme.
7. No one shall be imprisoned for non-payment of tax.