It’s strange that people seem to have assumed that I want to confiscate all inheritances. I just think inheritance taxes should form some part of an efficient and fair tax system, as they do in many countries, but not mine. Do you feel that inheritance taxation implies a greater form of “state ownership” than the compulsory taxes on labour imposed during your lifetime? For me, it feels like the opposite.
> It’s strange that people seem to have assumed that I want to confiscate all inheritances.
Not really in the context of the post I replied to up-thread -
> "I would love an inheritance tax. Even a 100% inheritance tax, on anything more than zero dollars"
I know that wasn't you, but the subject of 100% inheritance tax was definitely raised.
> Do you feel that inheritance taxation implies a greater form of “state ownership” than the compulsory taxes on labour imposed during your lifetime?
Yes, very much. I pay my way during my life, but what I build with what's left should be mine to disperse to my heirs, if any.
I'm not completely opposed to all inheritance taxes either, I think there's probably a balance somewhere, and it's in society's interest to (for example) break multi-generational acquisition of vast amounts of land that result in effective aristocracy.
