Utilitarianism and tax policies

Abstract

This essay is aimed to answer the question what tax policies does utilitarianism recommend? Based on the summary of utilitarianism basic guidelines and principles were separated. Following those principles income, sales, and capital gain taxes are discussed to see whether or not the utilitarian government would favor them or what changes it would make. The outcome showed that utilitarianism would recommend taxes which balance the principles of equality, need, and dessert while treating everyone equally and taking as a basis increase of net utility for a long-term and not satisfying needs for short-term. The discussion provided in this essay about taxes and countries is brief, nonetheless, it gives a general understanding of both utilitarian principles of policymaking.