The Benefits of Raising Taxes

The Benefits of Raising Taxes
There are some benefits to raising taxes.

More Revenue

Raising taxes results in additional revenue to pay for public programs and services. Federal programs such as Medicare and Social Security are funded by tax dollars. Infrastructure such as state roads and the interstate highway system also require taxpayer funding. Real estate and property taxes are used to build and maintain schools.

Health Benefits

Taxing potentially harmful items such as tobacco could discourage people from using them. According to a study, if every state and the District of Columbia added a $1-per-pack tax on cigarettes, 2.3 million kids would not take up smoking, 1.2 million adults would give up the habit and 1 million premature smoking-related deaths would be prevented.

Political Ramifications also indicates that raising tobacco taxes could have positive impact for politicians. The website cites a 2010 national poll showing that 67 percent of Americans are in favor of a $1 tax increase per pack of cigarettes. Politicians who support an increase may find themselves in good favor with their constituents.

Balancing Budgets

A 2010 study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that 48 states face budget shortfalls totaling $148 billion, the largest gap ever recorded. As many states struggle with budget shortfalls and high debt as of 2010, cutting programs and raising taxes may be the best, albeit painful, alternatives for balancing budgets.

Sharing the Wealth

In theory, higher taxes could result in wealthier people helping to support those who are less fortunate. By raising taxes on those who earn in excess of a certain income level, the additional revenue could be used to fund programs for the poor or disabled without significantly impacting the lifestyle of the rich. This concept avoids placing an additional tax burden on middle-income wage earners who may not be able to afford additional taxation.