"The company reported worldwide profits of $14.2 billion, and said $5.1 billion of the total came from its operations in the United States. Its American tax bi

"The company reported worldwide profits of $14.2 billion, and said $5.1 billion of the total came from its operations in the United States. Its American tax bill? None. In fact, G.E. claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion." --> http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/business/economy/25tax.html?pagewanted=all http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/business/economy/25tax.htm... Also: "Back when taxes were so high, the rich were really good at tax avoidance." I have yet to see any time-series on tax avoidance or loopholes. If you do have some data on this claim, please give a reference; otherwise, you know...