argument top image

Should the wealthy pay more taxes?
Back to question

Wealthy people benefit the most from society’s structure

As they see the most benefit from our societal structure, the wealthy should also have to pay more to support it.
(1 of 3) Next argument >

The Argument

Under the current capitalist economic model, the richer you are the more societal and material benefits you receive. This includes attaining a higher standard of public services delivered in part by the private sector. This minority do economically better out of the current economic model and can therefore afford to pay a higher rate in taxation to fund public services for the majority. Wealthy individuals also derive the bulk of their income from fixed assets. Society and the economy are set up in a way that benefits the asset rich, while punishing those who are asset poor. The tax system reflects this bias, ensuring a lower rate of tax on dividends and shares compared to income earned through employment.

Counter arguments

A sizeable portion of wealthy people opt out of using public services, including education, healthcare, and transport, in most cases relieving pressure on already stretched systems. Despite not using these services, most wealthy people continue to be happy to make a reasonable contribution towards their maintenance. However, the expectation that they should pay an increased amount for services that they do not use is presumptuous.

Premises

[P1] Richer people receive more benefits from society as a whole. [P2] The wealthy should pay more taxes to offset this.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] The wealthy do not benefit the most from social services. On the contrary, they are much less likely to use them, which significantly reduces strain.

References

This page was last edited on Friday, 17 Apr 2020 at 11:40 UTC

Explore related arguments