Definition of The Ability to Pay Principle

Updated June 26, 2014

Definition:

The ability to pay principle is the widely held view that the amount of taxes someone pays should increase as their income increases.

Terms related to The Ability to Pay Principle:

  • Progressive Tax
About.Com Resources on The Ability to Pay Principle:
  • Should Income Tax Rates Depend on Lifetime Earnings?
  • Are Sales Taxes More Regressive Than Income Taxes?
  • Do Richer People Pay a Higher Proportion of Tax Under a Flat Tax?

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