Built Quote by Wendy Long
“There is regressivity built into the tax code by virtue of its complexity.”
About This Quote
Complex tax rules cause lower‑income earners to pay a higher effective rate than wealthier taxpayers.
In simple terms: Complex taxes hit the poor harder.
Simplify tax code to reduce regressivity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- policy advocacy
- public education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can fairness be balanced with revenue needs?
- What reforms could simplify without losing progressivity?
Complexity can be hard to eliminate without unintended consequences.