Press Release
Stephen Berry

Berry Proposes Voluntary Income Tax

Tamaki’s only candidate for freedom, Independent Stephen Berry, has unveiled his plan to make income tax voluntary. “I’m giving individuals who value their freedom and want to take responsibility for their own lives a chance to opt out of the Government system!”

“My proposal would allow any individual to elect to pay zero income tax in exchange for receiving virtually no Government services. Those who opt out of Government will only get a justice system, police and military protection and use of public roads; all funded by their payment of GST at 15% and fuel excise tax.”

Mr. Berry asserts that our current system of over-taxing the ‘rich’ to pay for poor quality, inefficient public services is bankrupt and individuals deserve a choice. “It is an injustice that those who take responsibility for their own lives and choose to use services provided by the private sector are also forced to subsidise state sector services.

“My proposal ensures individuals can choose whether the private or public system works best for them and that they are rewarded for making responsible decisions about how they live their lives. Unlike under the current tax and spend system, those who opt out of the state system will find themselves personally hit in the pocket for their own irresponsibility, whether it be through the health costs of drinking too much or smoking cigarettes.”

Berry is also investigating the possibility of allowing those who opt out of the income tax system to also opt out of paying excise tax on alcohol, tobacco or any other recreational substances which may become legal in the future. “While a public health system exists, those who have opted for the private system are already paying for their unhealthy decisions through higher health insurance costs. They should not be stung twice to pay for those who have chosen to stay within the income tax paying system.”

“The ‘Opt out of Government’ proposal should only be seen as a transitional measure,” Berry continues. “Ultimately most of the Government services that are currently funded by the tax system should eventually be abolished or privatised. Until that time however, I believe individuals should have a choice about whether they remain within the public system or choose to exercise their rightful liberty by taking responsibility for their lives and using only private services.”

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