Oy Yes, the Healthcare Penalty is Unconstitutional

8 Pages Posted: 7 Nov 2010 Last revised: 8 Nov 2010

See all articles by Steven J. Willis

Steven J. Willis

University of Florida Levin College of Law

Nakku Chung

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: November 8, 2010

Abstract

Steven J. Willis is a professor of law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Nakku Chung is a licensed attorney and member of the Florida Bar. They thank Nathan C. Perry, Eric D. Penkert, M. Todd Lewis, and Jose Alicia for helpful advice and assistance.

Willis and Chung authored a report ("Constitutional Decapitation and Healthcare," Tax Notes, July 12, 2010, p. 169, Doc 2010-11669, or 2010 TNT 133-6) concluding that the penalty imposed under new section 5000A for failure to maintain minimum essential healthcare coverage (the healthcare penalty) is an unconstitutional direct or capitation tax. They respond to a letter from Prof. Calvin H. Johnson as well as to more pointed and critical commentary from Prof. Edward D. Kleinbard.

If the healthcare penalty is a tax, it is unconstitutional. It is not an excise, let alone a uniform one. It is not an income tax consistent with the 16th Amendment. It is, however, a direct tax, albeit un-apportioned. Because the apportionment requirement remains in the Constitution, Congress must follow it. Significantly, apportionment is a serious constitutional limitation, which a tax can potentially fail, as does the healthcare penalty. The requirement is neither illusory nor archaic.

Keywords: Healthcare penalty, Obamacare, unconstitutional, excise tax, income tax, direct tax, apportionment, Calvin Johnson, Edward Kleinbard

Suggested Citation

Willis, Steven J. and Chung, Nakku, Oy Yes, the Healthcare Penalty is Unconstitutional (November 8, 2010). Tax Notes, Vol. 129, No. 6, Nov. 8, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1703575

Steven J. Willis

University of Florida Levin College of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 117625
Gainesville, FL 32611-7625
United States
(352) 273-0680 (Phone)
(352) 392-7647 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.law.ufl.edu/faculty/willis/

Nakku Chung (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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