In the U.S., we pay taxes on a graduated percentage of our income directly to the national government. Due to various offsets and credits, most low and moderat

In the U.S., we pay taxes on a graduated percentage of our income directly to the national government. Due to various offsets and credits, most low and moderate income taxpayers actually end up owing nothing. Some states and localities have their own income tax systems that work similarly. It's important to note this doesn't take into account national, state, and local taxes that everyone pays regardless of income including sales, gas, and property taxes, tariffs, filing fees, tolls, etc. The whole "who pays federal income tax" argument is somewhat of a red herring.