That is misinformation. It doesn't work like that. You are taking the highest marginal rate, and applying it to the full amount. The tax burden increases on a

That is misinformation. It doesn't work like that. You are taking the highest marginal rate, and applying it to the full amount. The tax burden increases on a higher income, but the the higher rates only apply to a portion of the higher income. The VAT isn't 25% on everything. 6% is on books, magazines and newspapers, culture evens, national transport. 12% on food, restaurants, hotel and artwork sold by the artist. https://www.verksamt.se/starta/skatter-och-avgifter/moms/olika-momssatser https://www.verksamt.se/starta/skatter-och-avgifter/moms/oli... Effective income tax isn't as high as the picture you paint. http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/09/effective-tax-rates http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/09/effective-...