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H.R.4168 / 108th Congress

Individual Tax Freedom Act of 2004

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 2, 2004

Individual Tax Freedom Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax, estate and gift taxes, certain excise taxes, and certain tax administration provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (effective in 2006). Imposes a national sales tax (effective in 2006) equal to 15 percent of the gross payments for the use, consumption or enjoyment in the United States of any taxable property or service, whether produced or rendered within or without the United States. Allows certain exemptions from such tax, including exemptions for property or services purchased for a business purpose in an active trade or business or for export for use or consumption outside the United States. Sets forth provisions for the administration and collection of the tax and for credits and refunds. Allows for: (1) installment payments of tax resulting from the purchase of a principal residence; (2) a sales tax rebate for certain low-income families; and (3) compensating payments to certain persons on fixed incomes. Grants States the authority to administer and collect the sales tax and to remit tax proceeds to the Treasury. Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service after FY 2007. Establishes in the Department of Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer any excise taxes not repealed by this Act; and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax established by this Act. Directs the Social Security Administration to collect and administer employment and self-employment payroll taxes. Requires a two-thirds vote of the Members of the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any legislation that raises any Federal sales tax rate or results in a reduction in Federal revenues.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3] · R–LA

Committees

  • Rules Committee
  • Ways and Means Committee
3 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4168 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.4168 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.4168 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.4168 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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