A new “millionaire’s tax” in Massachusetts was expected to generate $1 billion in revenue last year to help pay for public education, infrastructure, and early childcare programs, but projections were a bit off, according to a fresh state analysis.

The state Department of Revenue estimated late last week that the Fair Share Amendment, which requires people with incomes over $1 million, to pay a 4% annual surtax, will add $1.5 billion to state coffers this fiscal year, which ends in June—surpassing expectations.

Universal free school meals, much-needed improvements to an aging public transportation system, and tuition-free education for community college students are just some of the programs Massachusetts’ wealthiest residents have helped pay for after voters approved the law in 2022 amid growing calls across the United States to tax the richest households and corporations.

  • LillyPip
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    5 months ago

    It’s literally not. It’s the dues you pay to live in a society that then gives you the services you need to live.

    You’re not obligated to pay taxes any more than you’re obligated to live in a society. You’re perfectly free to go live off the grid somewhere, free of those restrictions and also free from roads, fire services, clean water, sewage, cell service, hospitals, schools, and the rest. You’re free to enjoy your libertarian utopia until the bears decide otherwise.

    • quindraco@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      You’re not obligated to pay taxes any more than you’re obligated to live in a society.

      That’s not actually true. As a practical matter you can easily dodge your obligation by getting a job under the table that pays on cash, but the legal obligation remains. If you go without income and property entirely you’ll have the same problems any homeless person does.

      You’re perfectly free to go live off the grid somewhere, free of those restrictions and also free from roads, fire services, clean water, sewage, cell service, hospitals, schools, and the rest.

      Also false. You can’t just legally flee the country, and there’s nowhere inside the country you can do things like own a home without paying taxes on it.

      I’m not defending the tax-free attitude of liberterians here, but I am most certainly emphasizing that your claims are false.

      • LillyPip
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        5 months ago

        That’s why I mentioned boat, not home, ownership. Buy one outright, work for cash and pay cash. Sure, you’ll be living on the fringes of society, but if you’re truly libertarian, that shouldn’t matter – in fact, it’s a bonus.

    • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      There is no unclaimed territory where you could honestly claim to not need to pay taxes. Yes you could go off grid and hide, but you are still going to owe those taxes and it will be taken when they find you.

      But who cares if they call it theft? I just agree. Fine it’s theft. The government is allowed to steal from you because society approves of it.

      • LillyPip
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        5 months ago

        Sure there is. Perhaps not in the US, but if you’re dedicated to your convictions, the world is your oyster, and why would you want to stay in the US anyhow? In fact, you can buy a small boat and just move along coastlines, essentially invisible to everyone not charging you slip fees. (e: and you can often pay those with cash, no paper trail.)

        Regardless, it’s still not theft if you use the services provided.

        • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          I think I’m confused. I was under the impression that the US government required taxes on any money earned anywhere on the planet. I’m pretty sure you required to pay taxes on whatever money you earn working part-time from your boat or whatever. Is that not the case?

          • LillyPip
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            5 months ago

            You can work for cash and pay cash. If you really think taxation is theft, why would you work for someone who’s a slave to The Man and insisting on payroll taxes?

            There are plenty of libertarian employers who also think taxation is theft and would rather not report your earnings. Hell, there are plenty of employers in the US who don’t report earnings because they mostly use undocumented workers.

            e: it’s called ‘under the table’

            • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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              5 months ago

              I think you miss my point. I don’t think it’s theft. I grant libertarians that point then say “so what”. There’s never an answer.

              • LillyPip
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                5 months ago

                Oh, in that case, yeah. I’d also love to know that. Sorry, I was having two conversations in this thread and may have mixed up the overall point.

                If you ever get an answer, please let me know.