It is easier to start taxes than to stop them. A tax an…
![“It is easier to start taxes than to stop them. A tax an inch long can easily become a yard long. That has been the history of the income tax. Would not the sales tax be likely to have a similar history [in the U.S.]? ... Canadian newspapers report that an increase in the sales tax threatens to…” quote by B. C. Forbes](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/9c6/b-c-forbes-2124_administration_it-is-easier-to-start-taxes-than-to-stop_2527606.jpg)
“It is easier to start taxes than to stop them. A tax an inch long can easily become a yard long. That has been the history of the income tax. Would not the sales tax be likely to have a similar history [in the U.S.]? ... Canadian newspapers report that an increase in the sales tax threatens to drive the Mackenzie King administration out of office. Canada began with a sales tax of 2%… Starting this month the tax is 6%. The burden, in other words, has already been increased 200% ... What the U.S. needs is not new taxes, is not more taxes, but fewer and lower taxes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Taxes tend to expand once started, making them harder to reduce later.
In simple terms: Taxes grow once started.
Key Takeaway
Beware tax expansion.
Themes
economics
tax policy
government
history
Canada
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
policy
historical
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- public finance
- legislative reform
Key Concepts
tax escalation
policy inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms prevent tax reductions?
- How can citizens influence tax policy?
A Different Perspective
Political resistance can block tax cuts.