In 2016, the federal government increased the maximum federal tax rate applicable to individu- als from 29 percent to 33 percent. Required: Evaluate the increase of the maximum federal tax rate on the basis of the qualita- tive characteristics of tax systems that are listed in your text. For your convenience, the list of qualitative characteristics presented in the text is as follows: equity or fairness neutrality adequacy elasticity flexibility simplicity and ease of compliance certainty balance between sectors international competitiveness