What does the principle of 'ability to pay' suggest in tax systems?

The principle of 'ability to pay' in tax systems emphasizes that individuals should contribute to tax revenues based on their financial capacity to support the tax burden. This principle recognizes that people have different levels of income and wealth, and therefore the amount they can reasonably contribute to taxes varies significantly.

By aligning tax obligations with an individual's ability to pay, this principle seeks to promote fairness and equity in the tax system. It suggests that those with higher incomes can bear a larger tax burden without compromising their financial stability, while those with lower incomes should pay less, ensuring that tax contributions do not hinder their ability to meet basic living expenses.

This approach enables a more progressive tax system, where tax rates can increase with income, thereby reducing economic inequality and allowing for more effective public funding for services that benefit society as a whole. The other options do not align with this concept of equitable contribution based on financial capacity.