Like all federal spending programs, Social Security operates exactly as it does today, except that its funds come from a broad, progressive sales tax, rather than a narrow, regressive payroll tax. Employers will continue to report wages for each employee, though, to the Social Security Administration for the determination of benefits. The transition to a reformed Social Security system will be eased while ensuring there is sufficient funding to continue promised benefits.

Meanwhile, Social Security/Medicare funds will no longer be triple-taxed as they are now: 1) when payroll taxes are initially withheld; 2) when those withheld payroll taxes are counted as part of the taxable base for income tax purposes; and 3) when the promised benefits are finally received.