During a CNN town hall on Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, said abolishing the IRS and flat income tax rate is “the ideal tax system to remove distortions.” But he will only introduce a flat tax rate if it results in “lower taxes for everyone.”
Host Caitlan Collins asked, “If you were president, would you abolish the federal income tax?”
DeSantis responded, “Oh, can I stop dreaming?” Wouldn't you like to get rid of the IRS and have —? I think what I'd like to see is get rid of the IRS and have one tax rate, like a flat tax. I believe that the ideal tax system would eliminate distortions. And what happens is Florida is a great example of that. Our taxes are low and we are reducing them, but we are still attracting more investment and expanding our economic base. Therefore, I am repaying the debt by lowering interest rates and running a huge budget surplus. I think if you look at some of the other high-tax states, it's like a vicious cycle where they levy taxes, they let businesses and individuals flee, and then they go back to the well and tax them more. So, ultimately, low interest rates and a broad base are best and contribute the most to economic growth. ”
Collins followed up with, “But are you going to push for the repeal of the federal income tax?”
Mr. DeSantis responded: “I want to abolish his IRS, so I'd like a flat tax with one rate across the board. Of course, I'd only do that if everyone's taxes were lower. But that's the ideal tax system. .”
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