3 ms·
> The US actually Are you speaking about the US as a whole or just the federal government? If you only consider federal income taxes, then yes, our system look
by jetrink 6y ago
> The US actually
Are you speaking about the US as a whole or just the federal government? If you only consider federal income taxes, then yes, our system looks progressive by comparison. However, US citizens pay federal, state and often city taxes and the tax rate become more flat in many locations when all levels of taxation are considered. Also, for the full picture, you really should consider benefits. For example, even as someone with no major health problems, my health insurance and healthcare costs between 10% and 20% of my pre-tax income - as it does for many Americans. Other nations have comparable healthcare systems that are funded by taxes, so excluding that benefit skews the comparison.
- CameronNemo 6y agoThere are also the payroll taxes to think about. Medicare and Social Security are regressive taxes.
- retrac 6y agoYes, I believe the numbers were specifically with federal taxation. Comparing taxation etc. in countries with subnational entities that can raise revenue is always a headache. While I gave Sweden as an example, I was initially comparing against Canada as that's where the topic came up in the discussion I had. We also have some flat income tax provinces too. A straightforward comparison would not be easy.