January 2007

Last year’s estate tax debate was compelling on many levels.  One interesting aspect of the debate was that it forced those on both sides of the issue to consider — and articulate — their fundamental philosophical beliefs with respect to property rights, inheritance rights, and the role of taxation in our society.

Which is why I found an excellent research paper published by the IRS entitled "Federal Taxation of Inheritance and Wealth Transfers" especially thought provoking.  It contains the best summary I’ve read to date of the historical bases for the divergent philosophical world-views playing themselves out in the current estate-tax repeal debate.  The following is an extended excerpt that is well-worth reading for anyone remotely interested in the issue:Continue Reading Philosophical arguments for and against estate taxes