Abstract
The Negative Income Tax (NIT) is a relatively new and virgin approach to the eradication of poverty in the United States. This approach has been viewed by some authorities as just one more program to be added to the roster of welfare programs presently in effect. Conversely, other authorities view the NIT approach as a panacea for the legislative and poverty problems prevalent today. Whatever the eventual outcome may be, the negative income tax appears to be one valid method of attack in the war on poverty. | This paper will not attempt to delve into the basic reasons why such a guaranteed-income or income-maintenance program may be necessary. To try to determine why the people who need assistance are in the condition they are in to begin with is not within the scope of this paper. It is sufficient to say though, that there is a sizable number of persons (upwards of one-fifth of the population) who, when compared to an official measure of a minimal standard of living, are found to be lacking in many of the bare necessities of life and are therefore deemed to be poor or near poor.