In 2010 the IRS received 142 823 000 individual tax returns. An estimated 52 500 returns will pay estate taxes in 2013. (52000 / 142823000) * 100 ~= 0.036 Yo

In 2010 the IRS received 142 823 000 individual tax returns. An estimated 52 500 returns will pay estate taxes in 2013. (52000 / 142823000) * 100 ~= 0.036 You're right. It's not a tax on the "one percent", it's a tax on the "one-third of one-percent" http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/federal_govt_finances_employment/federal_individual_income_tax_returns.html http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/federal_govt_fin... http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/key-elements/estate/how-many.cfm http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/key-elements/es...