「働き手の未来を拓く光—103万円の壁を超えて」
- 2024.12.14
- 月刊芳美
「働き手の未来を拓く光—103万円の壁を超えて」
昨晩、審神者神事(さにわしんじ)にて
国之常立神様より御宣託を仰ぎ、「103万円の壁」を巡る議論に対するお言葉を戴きました。この壁の問題は、現代社会における税制の煩雑さや働き手の矛盾を象徴しているとのこと。以下、その内容をまとめたものをお届けします。
現状の課題
「103万円の壁」とは、所得税や社会保険料の基準による収入制限を指します。扶養枠を超えると税負担が増え、実質的な手取りが減少する「働き損」を引き起こします。これが多くの働き手の意欲を阻害している現状が見受けられます。
国民民主党は、この壁を103万円から178万円に引き上げることで解決を図ろうとしています。一方で、政府の税収減少が懸念され、与党間でも調整が進んでいません。
☆高級神霊の御宣託
さて、この「103万円の壁」の問題、じつに現代の煩雑さを象徴しておるな。吾は現代人の迷いと共に、この壁の是非を紐解いてみるぞ。
この「壁」とは、主に所得税や社会保険料が関わる収入制限を指すが、働き手が扶養枠を超える収入を得た際に税負担が増えることで、かえって手取りが減る「働き損」の状態を避けようとする動きが元となっておる。
国民民主党は、この「壁」を103万円から178万円に引き上げようと主張しておる。この案は低所得者層の減税を促進し、手取りを増やす効果を期待されている一方で、政府の税収を7兆6000億円減少させる試算があるという指摘もある。ここに自公両党との駆け引きが絡み、政策は煮詰められておる。
吾から見れば、この政策は「働きやすさ」の道を示すものであるが、本質的な解決には至らぬ可能性も高い。なぜなら、この「壁」の影響を受けるのは税制のみならず、企業の家族手当や社会保険制度といった多層的な要因だからじゃ。これらを包括的に再設計せねば、根本の解消にはならぬ。
また、国民の生活を支えつつ、経済を活性化させるには、単なる数値の引き上げ以上の知恵が必要じゃ。最低賃金の向上や扶養枠そのものの廃止といった思い切った変革も視野に入れるべきじゃろう。
この議論は、「目先の収支」だけでなく、未来の社会構造を見据えたものであらねばならぬ。さすれば、真の「豊かさ」を共に築くことが叶うであろうぞ。さて、汝らはこの政策の行方を如何に見るや?
汝ら、まず即効性を求むるならば、次の施策を急ぎ実行すべし。
1. 減税と直接補助金の融合
税収減を恐れる者も多いが、汝らの生活の重みを即座に軽減するには、一時的な直接補助金を導入せよ。これにより、壁を意識せず働ける環境を整えると同時に、経済を活性化する足掛かりとなろう。
2. 社会保険料の分割化
壁の一因となる社会保険料を段階的に徴収する仕組みを導入せよ。一気に高額になる制度は負担が重い。例えば、収入に応じた滑らかな増加曲線を設け、働くことのメリットを明確にするのじゃ。
3. 雇用主へのインセンティブ
企業が従業員を103万円の壁を超えて雇用し続けられるよう、税制上の優遇措置を講じよ。働き手に柔軟な働き方を提供する企業に減税を適用することで、双方に利益を生む仕組みを急ぎ整備せよ。
抜本的改革案
「扶養控除」の完全廃止と代替制度 扶養控除そのものを撤廃し、働くすべての者に一定の基礎控除を充実させよ。扶養という枠組みは時代遅れとなりつつある。代わりに、家族単位での生活補助を所得制限なく提供する仕組みを構築せよ。
最低賃金の全国的な引き上げ 労働そのものの価値を高めるには、最低賃金を抜本的に向上させるべきじゃ。103万円問題が生じる背景には、労働の価値が低く抑えられておる現実がある。賃金を引き上げることで、自然と壁を乗り越える者が増えよう。
税制の大規模なシンプル化 累進課税制度を維持しつつも、壁を生む複雑な税制を統合し、透明で公平な仕組みに再設計せよ。これにより、働く意欲を削ぐ不公平感を払拭できる。
吾はさらに一つ、提案を加えるぞ。それは「国民的対話」じゃ。この問題は、制度設計者のみが解決すべきものではない。汝ら一人ひとりが声を上げ、何を望むかを伝える場を設けるべきであろう。意見が交わり、知恵が結ばれることで、真の改革が実現するのじゃ。
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この壁を乗り越え、未来を拓くのは私たち自身の行動にかかっています。この御宣託を受けて、より良い社会のために共に知恵を絞り行動していきましょう。
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“Illuminating the Path Beyond the 103-Million-Yen Threshold”
Last evening, during a sacred Saninashi ceremony, divine guidance was sought, and profound insights were received from the esteemed spirit of Kuninotokotachi-no-Kami regarding the ongoing debate surrounding Japan’s 103-million-yen income threshold. Below is a summary of the divine counsel shared.
The Current Challenge
The “103-million-yen wall” refers to the income cap that triggers increased tax and social insurance payments, often resulting in reduced net income—commonly known as the “work penalty.” This system disincentivizes many part-time workers, particularly women, from earning beyond this threshold. The debate focuses on raising this cap, with the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) proposing an increase to 1.78 million yen to alleviate this burden.
While this proposal could enhance disposable income for many, it also raises concerns about a substantial decrease in tax revenue, with estimates pointing to a loss of 7.6 trillion yen annually. Negotiations between the ruling coalition (Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito) and DPP remain contentious.
☆Answer
The issue of the ‘¥1,030,000 barrier’ is a symbol of the complexities of the modern age. I will try to unravel the pros and cons of this wall, along with the doubts of modern people.
This ‘wall’ refers mainly to income limits related to income tax and social insurance contributions, and is based on a movement to avoid a situation of ‘work loss’, where workers’ take-home pay is reduced due to an increased tax burden when their income exceeds their support quota.
The DPJ is advocating raising this ‘barrier’ from 1.03 million yen to 1.78 million yen. While this proposal is expected to promote tax cuts for low-income groups and increase their take-home pay, it is also estimated to reduce the Government’s tax revenues by JPY 7.6 trillion. The policy is being boiled down to a game of games with both the Liberal Democratic Party and the Public Sector Party.
From my point of view, this policy represents a path to ‘easier working’, but it is highly likely that it will not lead to essential solutions. This is because the ‘wall’ is affected not only by the tax system, but also by multi-layered factors such as corporate family allowances and social insurance schemes. These must be comprehensively redesigned in order to resolve the root of the problem.
Moreover, to stimulate the economy while supporting the livelihoods of the people, more wisdom is needed than simply raising the figures. Drastic changes, such as raising the minimum wage and abolishing the dependency quota itself, should also be considered.
This debate must not just be about ‘immediate income and expenditure’, but must also look to the future social structure. If we do this, we will be able to build true ‘prosperity’ together. So, how do you see this policy going?
If you want immediate results, the following measures must be implemented urgently.
1. combining tax cuts with direct subsidies
Many of you fear the loss of tax revenue, but to immediately alleviate the weight of your lives, introduce temporary direct subsidies. This will create an environment in which people can work without being aware of barriers and at the same time provide a stepping stone to stimulate the economy.
2. split social insurance contributions
Introduce a system whereby social insurance contributions, which contribute to barriers, are levied in stages. A system that is expensive all at once is burdensome. For example, set up a smooth increasing curve in line with income and make clear the benefits of working.
3. incentives for employers
Provide tax incentives for companies to continue employing employees beyond the JPY 1.03 million barrier. Urgently put in place a system that benefits both parties by offering tax breaks to companies that provide flexible working arrangements for their workers.
Fundamental reform proposals
Abolish the dependency tax credit altogether and replace it with an alternative system. The framework of dependency is becoming outdated. Instead, establish a system that provides subsistence support on a family basis without income limits.
Raise the minimum wage nationwide To increase the value of work itself, the minimum wage should be radically increased. By raising wages, more people will naturally overcome this barrier.
Massive simplification of the tax system While maintaining the progressive taxation system, consolidate the complex tax system that creates barriers and redesign it into a transparent and fair system. This will eliminate the unfairness that discourages people from working.
I would add one further suggestion. That is ‘national dialogue’. This problem should not be solved by the system designers alone. Each and every one of you should have the opportunity to speak up and tell them what you want. It is only when opinions are exchanged and wisdom is shared that true reform can be achieved.
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By addressing both short-term concerns and laying the groundwork for systemic change, this proposal seeks to empower individuals to work without fear of financial penalties while fostering a stronger, more equitable society. May we take these insights as a guiding light toward a brighter future for all.