AN ELECTIVE WEALTH TAX

Authors

• Reis, Eric

Abstract

Foes of wealth inequality face a basic dilemma. Economic restraints make it impractical to tax income at the very high rates needed to address inequality, while constitutional restraints likely make it impossible to tax principal (wealth) directly.

This problem can be solved by marrying the two approaches. The wealthiest taxpayers would be put to a choice: Pay very high income tax rates, or pay more typical income tax rates along with a wealth tax. Because the proposed wealth tax would be voluntary, it should avoid the constitutional difficulties that bedevil a conventional wealth tax. And because the increase in income tax rates would serve mainly as an incentive for individuals to opt into the wealth tax, it should avoid the economic difficulties that normally accompany such elevated rates. This elective wealth tax may provide a powerful new tool for redistribution of extreme wealth.

Recommended Citation

Reis, Eric, AN ELECTIVE WEALTH TAX, 66 Santa Clara L. Rev. 202 (2026).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/lawreview/vol66/iss2/3