This isn't about numbers and I don't want to know about people's incomes.

 

The question often comes up, and people will respond with "I didn't have to pay, I got a refund" or "I had to pay X number of dollars".

 

The whole goal of this thread is to make people aware of exactly how much of the money that they earned goes to government, be it city, state or federal.

 

I challenge people to look at their tax forms and calculate exactly how much the government takes from their earnings.  That includes not only income tax, but also SS tax, medicare tax, local taxes, etc.  While you're at it, think about how much SALES tax you pay.

 

Add the number up and compare it with your NET income.

 

If people really did the math and were honest with themselves they would be shocked.

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