Brag Quote by T.R. Reid
“We have the most expensive compliance system in the world. The IRS brags that they spend 35 cents for every $100 they collect. They're very efficient collectors. And the reason is they stick the real cost on you and me.”
About This Quote
The quote critiques how tax agencies shift the true cost of compliance onto taxpayers, making the system appear cheap for the agency while burdening individuals.
In simple terms: Tax compliance appears cheap for the agency but costly for citizens.
Key Takeaway
Hidden costs of tax enforcement
Themes
tax policy
government efficiency
public finance
burden shifting
bureaucracy
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
observation
critique
When to use this quote
- filing taxes
- budget planning
- policy debate
- tax reform discussions
Key Concepts
tax collection
administrative cost
public perception
Practical Applications
- designing fair tax systems
- educating taxpayers about hidden costs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shifting compliance costs affect public trust?
- What alternatives could reduce taxpayer burden?
