What happens in the government if Bitcoin takes over?

[btcton]

Most governments get their money from taxes. If these become impossible to collect, how will the government support itself? They would no longer have control over any currency. Would BTC taxes have to be enforced? Should an alternative be sought? How can a government survive without money?

I'd like to see people's opinions on anything related to this, as I feel that most forum members are better versed in such themes than I am, and I'm open to what everyone has to say.

[Ron~Popeil]

Most governments get their money from taxes. If these become impossible to collect, how will the government support itself? They would no longer have control over any currency. Would BTC taxes have to be enforced? Should an alternative be sought? How can a government survive without money?

I'd like to see people's opinions on anything related to this, as I feel that most forum members are better versed in such themes than I am, and I'm open to what everyone has to say.

A sales tax would make sense. Businesses collect when you make a purchase and send it to the government just like a lot of states do right now.

[5flags]

Most governments get their money from taxes.

Indeed.

If these become impossible to collect, how will the government support itself?

It currently relies on threats of violence and control of the monetary systems. Without control of the monetary systems, it will rely solely on coercion.

[Ashbite]

Well when the government dont get their income from taxes anymore they will just find another way.
I think we dont know half the things they probably have in mind to get the money.
When there is a will, there is a way.

[btcton]

Well when the government dont get their income from taxes anymore they will just find another way.
I think we dont know half the things they probably have in mind to get the money.
When there is a will, there is a way.

What ways could they have up their sleeve? That is what I'm mostly concerned about.

[lindeanin]

It is as hard to collect tax from Bitcoin as from physical cash, so I dont see a big problem here.

[tooil]

It is as hard to collect tax from Bitcoin as from physical cash, so I dont see a big problem here.

Yes.

For money laundry, cash is still prefer form of medium.

[bitsmichel]

It is as hard to collect tax from Bitcoin as from physical cash, so I dont see a big problem here.

Very true, that's why many governments force citizens to have bank accounts. Nevermind that banks caused the financial crisis 

[Lethn]

You know what? There have already been coins being set up to make it so that the developers can take a percentage of transactions and block mining and use it for their own purposes, it would actually be incredibly easy and even eliminate the need for tax collectors etc. for governments to make their own coin and take a percentage of all the currency to fund anything they want. While yes, currencies like Bitcoin will remain tax free, it could actually be incredibly easy to set up a government backed cryptocurrency. They'd just have to make it appealing, hell because of the way the blockchain works, they wouldn't even need a tax revenue department anymore because it would all be done automatically.

[btcton]

Ok, great answers. Now let's see the other side of it. What would governments do without tax money to keep control over the people? Would it be supported by voluntary contributions or such?

[bitsmichel]

Ok, great answers. Now let's see the other side of it. What would governments do without tax money to keep control over the people? Would it be supported by voluntary contributions or such?

They would send men in blue shirts to your house to collect tax.

[Balthazar]

Most governments get their money from taxes. If these become impossible to collect, how will the government support itself?

State capitalism and various forms of socialism are answers to your question. State is able to make money even without collecting any taxes, through using public property for market activity.

[validium]

Ok, great answers. Now let's see the other side of it. What would governments do without tax money to keep control over the people? Would it be supported by voluntary contributions or such?

They would send men in blue shirts to your house to collect tax.

holding big sacks to put any valuables if you wont pay up 

[countryfree]

There are today in the world countries where governments don't control their currencies, and that doesn't prevent them to tax plenty of things. The government can tax properties, vehicles and every good which it says require to be registered. The government also control borders, so it's easy to tax anything coming in.

Several third world countries have their local currency pegged to the U.S. dollar, all for the better, because that helps investors believing in them.

[commandrix]

There are today in the world countries where governments don't control their currencies, and that doesn't prevent them to tax plenty of things. The government can tax properties, vehicles and every good which it says require to be registered. The government also control borders, so it's easy to tax anything coming in.

Several third world countries have their local currency pegged to the U.S. dollar, all for the better, because that helps investors believing in them.

So what makes you think the U.S. controls its borders?  But, seriously, if the government knows it exists, it's going to find a way to tax it. Anyway, it's going to be just a matter of time before the U.S. creates its own cryptocurrency if it hasn't already.

[zolace]

I expect the gov to tag us with a chip and be able to track us using bitcoin this way.  They will regulate bitcoin even more this way.  Satoshi started the new world order.

[ajareselde]

It wont take over anything. And the portion of the market that will bitcoin get will be monitored through blockchain.
If u take a minute to think about it, there is allways a way to monitor transactions.

[efreeti]

I expect the gov to tag us with a chip and be able to track us using bitcoin this way.  They will regulate bitcoin even more this way.  Satoshi started the new world order.

Reason why anonymous coin are getting attention.

[beetcoin]

bitcoin can't take over. if it were that dangerous to the establishment, they'd do everything in their power to stop it.

[Benjig]

bitcoin can't take over. if it were that dangerous to the establishment, they'd do everything in their power to stop it.

Yes, they will still have ways of controlling it and people, in fact i think bitcoin is beneficial to them, they know fiat money failed, and bitcoin is the perfect solution.