VAT (sales tax) is much higher in Europe (20%+), though it won’t bring the total tax to 80%. On the other hand, taxes in the US are much generally much more pro

VAT (sales tax) is much higher in Europe (20%+), though it won’t bring the total tax to 80%. On the other hand, taxes in the US are much generally much more progressive than in Europe. In the States, the wealthy pay large majority of the taxes, while in Europe, these are covered mostly by middle class. Therefore, for median wage earners in Europe, effective tax rate is much higher than in US.