[icsa]

There is precedent for no federal income tax in the United States.

Prior to the federal income tax (1913), all federal government expenses were covered by duties, tariffs, and levies.

[legitster]

The federal government also didn't pay for highways or a standing army then.

I'm sure there are people who want to abolish the IRS and also don't want roads or support a military. But if you can get enough of them in a room together to win a caucus I will eat my hat.

[taeric]

I'd be interested in knowing what the cost of maintaining infrastructure for the US prior to that date was? My gut is this is akin to thinking you could go back to the income you had when you were living with your parents, not realizing that you now have so much more that you have to take care of.

Could probably go further and ask how much it was costing to expand infrastructure? It isn't like they opted for a larger source of income for no reason?

[gedpeck]

There is also precedent for child labor and slavery in the U.S. Societies are far more complex now and the administration and governance of them are correspondingly more complex.

[zamalek]

> Societies are far more complex now

Exactly: we have a superior moral compass. Complexities of society aside, other comments rightfully point out that sales tax has a higher burden the lower the income.

[Terr_]

> Prior to the federal income tax (1913)

Also during 1862-1872 and 1892-1895.

> covered by duties, tariffs, and levies

Which come with an equally long history of demonstrated problems, like being economically-inefficient and prone to corruption.

That last concern is particularly relevant given the criminality of the Trump administration: How many suitcases of cash does it take to get a special exception for/against your friends/allies?