DOGE, Ending Withholding Taxes
a revenue neutral proposal
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing a big challenge: earning the trust and support of everyday Americans. History shows us that when the public isn’t on board—like with the Vietnam and Korean wars—major policies tend to fail. The same goes for making government run more smoothly. Without everyday people backing these efforts, real change just won’t stick.
One surprisingly simple yet powerful move would be to get rid of income tax withholding. We started automatically taking taxes out of paychecks during World War II, and even though it was meant to be a “temporary” move, it’s stuck around ever since. Sure, it’s easier for the government to collect taxes this way, but it comes at a cost: it keeps people in the dark about how much of their paycheck they actually hand over to Uncle Sam.
If we ended income tax withholding, everyone would see exactly what they earn and exactly what they pay in taxes. Right now, many of us only pay attention to our take-home pay, barely noticing how much is quietly taken out before it hits our bank accounts. This system hides the true cost of government from taxpayers, making it harder for us to hold our leaders responsible for how they spend our money.
A Clear, Revenue-Neutral Fix
Dropping withholding wouldn’t change how much you owe in taxes; it would just change how you pay. Instead of the government dipping into your paycheck every payday, you’d pay your taxes directly—either yearly or every quarter. This shift would let you manage your own money and see firsthand what you’re contributing to federal programs and services.
This added transparency would also help us push for better oversight. When you know exactly what you’re paying, it’s easier to demand that our elected officials spend that money wisely. The days of quietly collecting taxes without much scrutiny would be over, and we’d have a stronger voice in deciding where our hard-earned cash goes.
Taking Back Financial Control
Right now, the government gets first dibs on your income. By ending tax withholding, we give that control back to you. You’d keep your full paycheck all year long and pay the government on your own schedule. Over time, this could help foster more financial awareness and responsibility, since you’d be directly involved in managing the money you ultimately owe.
This approach could even lighten the load on businesses. Without having to calculate and submit taxes for their employees, companies could save time and resources, focusing instead on growing and improving their services.
Looking to the Past for a Better Future
We know the government can be flexible with tax rules when it needs to be. From extending filing deadlines during natural disasters to offering pandemic-related relief, the system already adapts. Getting rid of withholding is just another way to empower Americans without reducing the tax revenue the government needs to operate.
Building Momentum for Real Change
Right now, the system benefits a big, entrenched bureaucracy that prefers to keep you at a distance, leaving you clueless about the true cost of government. By ending withholding, we put citizens in the driver’s seat, making it harder for government insiders to hide behind complex systems and paperwork.
This change reflects core American values: freedom, responsibility, and limited government. When people see the full picture of what they’re paying, they’re more likely to push for sensible spending, less waste, and policies that actually help citizens.
The Time for Action Is Now
Ending income tax withholding isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a game-changer. It gives power and clarity back to the people, strengthening our democracy and helping ensure our government truly works for us.
The Trump administration should remember that it’s hard to win any fight when the “swamp” sets all the rules. Unless we change those rules, the status quo will remain, benefiting only those in Washington who cling to their power. Let’s break free from that cycle, put transparency first, and let the American people decide how their money is spent.
[A different draft]