Taxes aren't just a means of revenue for the government, they're a means of incentivizing for various goals.

- Want a higher population? Give a deduction for children. - Want citizens to switch to alternative energies? Give a deduction for solar panel roofs and electric cars. - Want to reduce dependency on foreign oil? Give a deduction for new drilling operations. - Want to create more jobs? Give a deduction for each employee. - Want to create more housing? Give a deduction for real estate depreciation. - Want to encourage new technologies? Give a deduction for R&D expenses.