# Negative Income Tax -- good idea?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-income-tax-good-idea/585733>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [June 16, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-income-tax-good-idea/585733 "2011-06-16T19:12:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 2

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**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\
**Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-income-tax-good-idea/585733/2 "2011-06-16T19:14:37Z")

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Question from the other thread:

> [@I Pit Lack of Finacial Aid for my Kid's College Education!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-lack-of-finacial-aid-for-my-kids-college-education/584068/405):
>
> When I have time I’ll look that up - does he have any suggestions one what to do about those who choose not to work?

If you choose not to work, you get enough cash to not starve. The difference between this and welfare as currently implemented is that every hour you work is guaranteed to improve your financial situation–there is never a point where you work harder and have less money (because you pushed past the eligibility line for some subsidy or program).

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