[mempko]

At the federal level, taxes don't fund anything. Federal government spends first and the collects taxes. This is a common misconception about how government financing works. You don't to raise taxes to fund any program. Taxes one serve to bring legitimacy and demand for US dollar. They don't pay for anything.

[simonh]

If they don't pay for anything where does the money go? Where does the money the US Govt does pay to it's employees, contractors, suppliers and in benefits come from? This really is nonsense on stilts.

I know governments are in a unique position to be able to print money, but that is not how the US government routinely funds it's budget, and certainly not how it mainly or exclusively does so or inflation would skyrocket.

[mempko]

When federal government wants to pay for something, it tells the federal reserve to credit a bank account. The federal reserve then goes through the banking system and credits the account. The money comes from a key stroke. When the government collects taxes, the money is destroyed. It's just accounting. Inflation happens when government prints money beyond capacity of economy to produce. Too many dollars to too few resources.

The government can increase deficit to put more money into private sector, which boosts profits and savings, it can choose to take money out by taxing more or spending less. Which creates fewer savings and smaller profits, and more private debt.

[simonh]

You could just as well say that when I pay a bill the money is 'destroyed' in my bank account and 'created' in theirs, it's just accounting.

[mempko]

It IS just accounting! Difference is you need an income or debt to deposit. Gov can get money from thin air.