This presentation looks at the cost of collecting the income tax. The IRS overhead itself represents the direct cost to the government in generating this revenue. Beside that there is the burden put on the tax payer in preparing his return, in the case of an audit there may be the cost of representation before a tax court. You also become aware of the vast amount of human resources wasted on this activity for the revenue generated.
We didn’t have time for all the videos he wanted to show last time, so Chuck Metalitz is doing it again: A marathon (well, four hours or so) of animations, lectures, documentaries, and other formats, from America, Canada, Australia, Britain, and maybe a few others, including people we do not necessarily identify as Georgists. Most of these are about three to fifteen minutes, with longer ones represented by extracts. You’re welcome to stop by any time during the show; do not feel obligated to attend the entire session.
Just about all of these videos are intended for an audience not familiar with Henry George or, in many cases, not even conscious of political economy. That probably describes some of your friends or professional colleagues, so bring them along.
We will have some sort of light refreshments. The event is free, with donations welcome. Also welcome are suggestions for relevant videos which we might not be aware of.
Metropolitan Planning Council’s Alden Loury will discuss his research into the costs that racial and ethnic segregation impose on all of us here, and might be persuaded to hint at the recommendations to come from phase 2 of the study. We have a post with a bit more information.
ProPublica Illinois investigative reporter Jason Grotto (formerly with the Chicago Tribune) has produced several major research stories about problems with real estate assessments in Cook County, as well as with the Assessor’s office itself. He’ll join us to talk about how and why he undertook this work, what’s wrong with the Assessor’s office and how it could be repaired, how the property tax would function if it were competently administered, and, if we’re lucky, how the tax could be restructured to improve fairness and better fund public services while promoting economic opportunity.
Join us to learn about some of the practical difficulties in bringing competence and efficiency to the administration of what could be a very fair tax.
PREREGISTRATION MANDATORY: Due to building policies you must pre-register by email or or by phoning us at 312 450-2906