The US has varied rates on ST based on state (for example, in New Jersey: its somewhere around 6.6%) but that in itself is nowhere close to an actual country (like, Norway imposes 25% VAT on everything nationwide, its included in the final price) but taxes in general are intended to fund roads, education, infrastructure, etc. (this is something all countries have) and taxes are deducted when you receive your paycheck.
The difference is that Norway imposes 25% VAT (whatever the price is, includes tax) for a reason: to maintain high quality standard of living (it explains why you don’t hear stories of medical or student debt as much) as their public services are funded from high taxes imposed towards citizens. While in the US: sales tax is only added upon checkout, but what do you receive from the government in return after paying taxes?
I don’t like indirect taxes. Having to pay a 10% sales tax for a 300.000€ house just breaks my poor ass.
Please take ALL the money the government needs in direct taxes to the income. Those are proportional so they are more fair.
Counterpoint, businesses currently hide their incomes in offshore shell companies, so a higher sales tax means it’s harder for them to pay less taxes via these methods.
Business don’t pay sales tax though.
At least in my country they don’t. Sale tax is directed to the final customer.