Wealthiest Americans pay just 3.4% of income in taxes, investigation reveals

[DFW]

4. In spite of the appearances, I would not tax unrealized paper gains.

Until the assets are actually dild, any gains are theoretical. If we take $10 million from someone who bought $200,000 of Apple Computer 25 years ago and never sold it, where is he going to come up with the money to pay that kind of a tax bill? And is the government prepared to pay out the billions it will owe back if the value of those unsold assets plummets due to another Republican recession?

An equitable solution, as usual, is far more complicated than anything a few slogans can cover. We need to find ways to close loopholes on those making a mid six figures and upwards of there, so that the bite is spread far and wide, and doesn't take so much more that widespread cheating seems worth the risk.