The progressive income tax exists because there's a diminishing marginal utility of income. In regards to government expenditures, I'd say generally, it makes

The progressive income tax exists because there's a diminishing marginal utility of income. In regards to government expenditures, I'd say generally, it makes sense morally to reduce your tax as low as possible, and than donate that amount to charity, research, or whatnot, not just because government wastes money, but because they use money to engage in horrific activities such as the Iraq War.