Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a significant overhaul of the U.S. tax system. During a CNN town hall, DeSantis, a Republican presidential contender, expressed his desire to dismantle the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and implement a flat tax system across the United States.

Tax reform at the forefront of the presidential campaign

DeSantis’s proposal includes replacing the current progressive tax structure with a uniform rate, simplifying the tax system for all U.S. residents. This plan, aiming to streamline tax collection, was shared with the audience and CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. The Florida Governor’s stance on tax reform is not a new development. He has been an advocate for a flat tax system for several years, having co-sponsored The Fair Tax Act in 2013, 2015, and 2017. This act proposed the elimination of several federal taxes and the IRS itself, though it failed to progress through legislative stages.

DeSantis in the 2024 presidential race

DeSantis’s position in the presidential race, as tracked by national polling, places him behind ex-President Donald Trump. According to fivethirtyeight.com, as of January 6, 2024, Trump leads with a 61.8% favorability rating, while DeSantis follows with 12.1%. This puts him slightly ahead of Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor, who stands at 11.2%. Another presidential aspirant, Vivek Ramaswamy, has also expressed similar intentions to disband key U.S. agencies, including the IRS.

DeSantis’s proposed policy shift reflects a growing trend among some Republican presidential candidates to advocate for significant governmental changes. His focus on tax reform, particularly the elimination of the IRS and the adoption of a flat tax, marks a cornerstone of his presidential campaign. While the proposal has garnered attention, it also faces challenges, including legislative hurdles and varying public opinions.

As the presidential race intensifies, DeSantis’s policy positions and the public response to them will be critical in shaping the political landscape. His advocacy for a flat tax system represents a significant departure from current U.S. tax policies and underscores the diverse range of viewpoints within the Republican party. As voters and political analysts continue to scrutinize candidates’ platforms, DeSantis’s tax reform proposal will likely remain a topic of discussion and debate in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.