Adaptive Quote by Joel Achenbach
“Lobbyists know that a 0 percent tax rate on capital income is not, in fact, the lowest possible rate. There can be negative tax rates. There can be subsidies. There can be allowances for depreciation. Lobbyists are adaptive creatures.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Tax Policy Review, 2015
Lobbyists exploit tax loopholes, showing that zero tax isn’t the lowest possible rate; they adapt to any fiscal incentive.
In simple terms: Tax policy can be manipulated creatively.
Watch for loopholes in tax design.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- legislative drafting
- corporate finance
- advocacy groups
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent tax manipulation?
- How can policy stay effective amid adaptive lobbying?
Complex incentives may create unintended consequences.