Why Does the IRS Still Exist in the United States?

The necessity of tax collection and administration is universal across civilizations. However, the privatization of such a critical task is rife with the risk of corruption. This is where the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plays a pivotal role in the United States. Despite its often-criticized reputation, the IRS remains an indispensable entity in the government machinery.

The Foundation of Taxation in American History

The roots of the IRS extend deep into the historical fabric of the United States. The initiation of the tax collection process can be traced back to a "Victory Tax" during World War Two. Originally imposed as a war measure, this tax was intended to be temporary, but it continued long after the war's end. This persistent oversight raises questions about the necessity of a government agency with such broad powers.

A Call for IRS Elimination

Representative Trey Gowdy, a Republican from South Carolina, made a passionate case for the elimination of the IRS. His testimony highlights the historical strife over taxation, a tension that dates back to the Magna Carta, where it was established that the monarch could not levy taxes without the consent of Parliament. Colonists in the New World were taxed without representation, a grievance that contributed to the eventual revolution.

The Constitutional Framework and the Role of Congress

The U.S. Constitution adheres to the British model, stipulating that taxes must be approved by Congress and that revenue bills originate in the House. This system was intended to balance the powers of the executive and the legislative branches, ensuring that taxes are a matter decided by the representatives of the people. The IRS merely functions as the enforcer of taxes approved by these representatives.

The Necessity of the IRS for Tax Collection

The elimination of the IRS would necessitate the creation of a new organization to fulfill its functions. Abolishing such an entity would be a monumental shift that would require significant restructuring of the tax collection process. The IRS exists because its role is essential; without it, the functions it performs would need to be re-assigned.

A Declaration of Independence and Representation

The Revolutionary War was a struggle for independence, not solely against high taxes. The Declaration of Independence lists a multitude of grievances, including the lack of representation, warrantless searches, the quartering of troops in homes, the dissolution of legislatures, and the absence of trials by jury. These issues highlight the broader struggle for representation and procedural justice.

A Compromise in Taxation

Our current system of taxation is a compromise reached by the people's representatives through the democratic process, albeit a system fraught with imperfections. It is designed to be as fair as possible to the greatest number of Americans. While individual citizens may have objections to specific tax laws or government spending, ultimately, taxes and spending are the collective expressions of the will of the people as determined through the ballot box.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the IRS still exists because the task it performs remains necessary for the functioning of the United States government. The rejection of the IRS would not merely abolish an agency but also disrupt a critical aspect of American democracy and its fiscal management. The IRS, despite its shortcomings, serves as a testament to the ongoing effort to balance power and representation in the realm of tax collection.