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You could not possibly maintain the current level of…

“You could not possibly maintain the current level of government taxation without the taxes being hidden, and they are hidden in two very different ways. They are hidden through withholding, but they are also hidden by being imposed on business, supposedly on business, when really, of course…” quote by Milton Friedman
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“You could not possibly maintain the current level of government taxation without the taxes being hidden, and they are hidden in two very different ways. They are hidden through withholding, but they are also hidden by being imposed on business, supposedly on business, when really, of course, business can't pay taxes, only people can pay taxes.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Taxation is often concealed through payroll withholding and corporate tax structures, making its burden less visible to individuals.

In simple terms: Taxes are hidden via payroll and corporate rules.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden tax impacts.

Themes

economics public policy taxation

Mood

critical analytical

Type

explanatory political

When to use this quote

  • personal budgeting
  • business accounting
  • policy analysis
  • public advocacy

Key Concepts

Fiscal transparency government finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do hidden taxes affect public perception?
  • What reforms could increase tax transparency?
A Different Perspective

Hidden taxes can be complex to trace and may be justified as necessary revenue.

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