Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced his support for defunding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if he is elected president in 2024.
In a radio interview, DeSantis discussed his stance on tax reform and his dissatisfaction with the IRS.
DeSantis said yes to tax reform, stating that the IRS is corrupt.
“We need something totally different.”
“I’ve supported all of the single rate proposals; I think they would be a huge improvement over the current system, and I would be welcoming to take this tax system, chunk it out the window and do something that’s more favorable to the average folks.”
DeSantis has been a vocal critic of the IRS, particularly its treatment of the middle class.
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DeSantis condemns expansion of IRS by Biden
He condemned the Biden administration’s plan to expand the IRS with 87,000 new agents as a sign of disrespect towards the American public.
“Of all the things that have come out of Washington that have been outrageous, this has got to be pretty close to the top,” DeSantis said at the time. “I think it was just the middle finger to the American public that this is what they think of you.”
He argued that the additional agents would target independent contractors, small business owners, and ordinary workers, making it difficult for them to contend with audits and potentially crushing them financially.
‘IRS has outlived its usefulness’ – DeSantis
In the past, DeSantis has advocated for a fair or flat tax, believing that the IRS has outlived its usefulness.
He has expressed his support for reducing the government’s power by implementing a fair or flat tax system.
However, some of DeSantis’ detractors have criticized him for supporting a national sales tax during his time in Congress.
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DeSantis faces accusation of backing tax hike
A super PAC supporting former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign accused DeSantis of backing a 23% tax hike on all purchases.
It is important to note that the proposed bill, known as the Fair Tax Act or HR25, aimed to eliminate all other federal taxes, including the income tax if implemented.
DeSantis plans to lower tax rate, end IRS
DeSantis co-sponsored the Fair Tax Act in multiple instances between 2013 and 2017.
His support for the bill was based on lowering the overall tax burden on individuals by replacing all federal taxes with a lower tax rate.
The bill also aimed to end the IRS, which was perceived as weaponized by the Obama administration at the time.
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DeSantis’s presidential campaign manifesto
As DeSantis officially announces his bid for the presidency, his position on tax reform and the IRS will likely be a significant aspect of his campaign.
While he has faced criticism for supporting a national sales tax, he maintains that he intended to reduce the overall tax burden and eliminate the IRS, which he sees as a corrupt and unfair organization.
Will DeSantis’ tax reform agenda win him the race?
It remains to be seen how DeSantis’ stance on tax reform and the IRS will resonate with voters in the upcoming presidential election.
The issue of tax reform is a complex and divisive one, and candidates will need to present comprehensive plans to address the concerns of the American public.
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