this post was submitted on 12 Dec 2023
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I had (my opinion has changed) what I imagine is an unpopular opinion that people with dependants should be taxed more heavily (except in cases where they're already under the poverty line), not less. I'm from the US but a quick search indicates that Canada works similarly. Feel free to correct this ignorant American if that's inaccurate (not /s)
But I'm also incensed by this article. I realize that this is greed of the rentee and not government taxation. But still, going after a couple financially for wanting to start a family rubs me the wrong way. So my opinions need adjustment, I think.
Why do you think people with dependants should be taxed more heavily? Is it an overpopulation thing?
Overpopulation is a genuine concern of mine, and I would probably focus on that point if I were explaining it to someone face to face so as to hopefully not come across as an asshole.
But there's a selfish reason as well. I get taxed pretty hard, and it occurred to me that people with dependants consume more while contributing less per person (assuming similar income levels). Which frustrated me. But like I said, I'm rethinking this. I want a more socialist society, and that line of thinking does not fit.
Hmm... As to the second point, I'd argue that people with dependants are contributing, by having dependants. Giving them a tax break is sort of like paying them to take care of things that the state would have to take care of otherwise, in the form of orphanages, daycares, food banks, public nursing homes, etc. At that point, it's just an efficiency question: is it better to tax parents less (so they have to work fewer hours and can take care of their kids), or is it better to run more after-school programs (so the parents can work while someone else takes care of their kids)? Should we tax them less so they can buy food and shelter, or just give them food and shelter? The answer isn't cleanly one or the other, but falls somewhere between "give them money (by taxing less)" and "give them stuff" for each thing that people provide for their dependants.
As for overpopulation, once people are already born, it's too late. Incentives should prevent people from being born in the first place, but not punish the parents of the already-born (and the already-born themselves). To do that you could do normal birth-rate-reducing things like comprehensive sex ed and ensuring easy access to birth control, or go at it from the other side: streamline the adoption process and incentivize people to adopt rather than procreate.
Those are great points and well stated. I hadn't looked at those things from those perspectives. In particular these hit home:
Taxing families and single parents more effectively robs them of time with their kids. I don't want that.
And the general idea behind your overpopulation statement. Punishing those that have or want children financially isn't the way. Making societal changes is.