Ron DeSantis, Potential U.S. Presidential Contender, Proposes IRS Elimination and Flat Tax System

Tax Reform Leading DeSantis’s Presidential Campaign

DeSantis’s proposal entails replacing the existing progressive tax structure with a single-rate system, aiming to simplify taxation for all U.S. residents. The plan, designed to streamline tax collection, was revealed during a CNN town hall hosted by Kaitlan Collins. DeSantis has been a proponent of a flat tax system for several years, previously co-sponsoring The Fair Tax Act in 2013, 2015, and 2017. This legislation aimed at eliminating various federal taxes and even the IRS, yet it faced obstacles progressing through legislative channels.

DeSantis’s Presidential Position and Policy Direction

In the ongoing presidential race, DeSantis trails former President Donald Trump in national polling. According to fivethirtyeight.com's data as of January 6, 2024, Trump leads with a 61.8% favorability rating, while DeSantis holds 12.1%. Notably, DeSantis edges ahead of Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor, at 11.2%. Another presidential aspirant, Vivek Ramaswamy, has also expressed similar intentions to dismantle key U.S. agencies, including the IRS.

DeSantis’s proposed overhaul represents a shift in policy among some Republican presidential candidates, emphasizing significant governmental reforms. His focus on tax reform, particularly the elimination of the IRS and the adoption of a flat tax, stands as a central tenet of his presidential campaign. While drawing attention, the proposal faces challenges, including legislative barriers and varying public perceptions.

As the presidential race intensifies, DeSantis's policy positions and public reception will play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape. His advocacy for a flat tax system marks a departure from existing U.S. tax policies and underscores the diversity of viewpoints within the Republican party. With voters and analysts scrutinizing candidates' platforms, DeSantis's tax reform proposal is likely to remain a subject of discussion and debate leading up to the 2024 presidential election.