Want proof that keeping your copy simple and easy to understand is more effective? Just look at Washington State. Like most government units, the Evergreen State is constantly trying to increase revenues (especially since there’s no state income tax). A few years ago, tax officials noticed that use-tax revenues were below projections … and they … Read more
As the federal government debates the latest batch of tax proposals, maybe they need to give thought to what officials in Washington State did some time back. At a time when tax revenues are hard to come by, those officials boosted use-tax revenues by a whopping $800,000! Did they raise rates? No. Hire private investigators? … Read more
Not that long ago, I heard about a very impressive effort by officials in Washington State. At a time when tax revenues are hard to come by, those officials boosted use-tax revenues by a whopping $800,000!
Did they raise rates? No. Hire private investigators? Uh-uh. Try torture? Nope.
(Please pardon me if I move away from my usual neighborhood and become somewhat political and perhaps a bit strident for a moment or two.)
Yesterday, I read a letter to the editor from a frustrated teenager. She was filing her income taxes for the first time and was aghast that “the government” was “stealing” her money. I’m reasonably certain that she’s not among my three regular readers, but in the chance she happens upon my blog, I’d like to respond.