link to original reddit post by /u/SEC1329

I'm a longtime minarchist, and I believe that the only thing the government should do is protect the rights of its people. I believe a very, very small amount of taxation would be necessary in this scenario, but that doesn't mean I at all like taxes. But enough about me.

When people say that taxation ISN'T theft, their arguments usually consist of one or more of these points:

  • By making money and purchasing goods and services, you're intrinsically agreeing to pay taxes.
  • The government provides the infrastructure that makes capitalism possible, therefore they deserve a cut.
  • It's the price you pay for living in a civilized society.

The first one is easily refuted with a basic understanding of property rights. By this logic, someone getting mugged who gives their assailant their wallet was not robbed as they chose to pay. In reality, of course they were definitely robbed. They were faced with two options, pay or die, neither of which would have been a voluntary choice. Taxpayers are given a similar set of bad options, taxes or jail, and neither option is voluntary. Bam, argument done.

The second point is ridiculous. The government takes your money to fund infrastructure, but you didn't agree to pay for said infrastructure. Easy peasy.

But I had someone explain the "civilized society" argument to me recently, and it made me stop and think for a minute. If property rights are absolute, then why can't the government tax its citizens? For example, the owners of a gated community would be allowed to enforce restrictions on their residents, as it is their property to do with as they please. If the government "owns" the land that I live on, then why doesn't the same logic apply? Sure, I didn't choose to be born in America, but I can certainly choose to leave. Or at the very least, wouldn't it not be theft to tax anyone who wasn't born here but chooses to migrate here?

Again, I'm just playing the Devil's advocate. I'm always looking to strengthen my debate skills, and I try to do what I can to understand my opponents' arguments. Thanks for reading!

Edit: Thanks for all the responses, lots of good points down in the comments. Y'all are great!