Most us are unaware of all the taxes we pay since many taxes are hidden in the
products we buy and the services we use. Nevertheless, a recent Rasmussen poll found
that 49 percent of Americans think they “pay more than they should in taxes and question
the fairness of the current tax system.”
When you ask people about taxes, they usually think of federal income tax. They
might also think of any state and local taxes. But we pay more in taxes than we might
think.
Payroll taxes are a significant tax at 7.65%. That is double (15.3%) if you are self-
employed. Sales taxes levied by state and local authorities are another significant tax. All
but five states levy sales taxes that range from 2.9% to 8.25%, which is the rate for
California. Many cities also have a local sales tax.
If you drive a vehicle, then don’t forget gasoline taxes. When you pull up to the
pump and see rising prices, some of that increase is due to the gasoline tax rate. The
federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon and up to 24.4 cents for diesel. State gas taxes
range from 8 cents to 46.6 cents in California.
If you own a home, you also pay property taxes. But even if you rent, some of the
rent you pay goes to cover the property taxes. While we are talking about your home,
remember that you are paying hidden taxes on utilities like your gas, water, electric,
cable, and home phone. Add to that the taxes you pay for your cell phone plan.
Finally, we should mention the so-called “sin taxes.” The cigarette tax ranges
from 17 cents per pack to a high of 46 cents per pack in California. Taxes on beer range
from 6 centers to over one dollar. Add to this the taxes that are levied on wine and liquor.
Nearly half of all Americans think they pay more in taxes than they should.
Imagine if they considered all the taxes they paid. I think a large majority of Americans
would conclude that they pay too much in taxes.
Mark if only the world were that efficient. We as a nation are accustomed to being duped. Sadly we are being pumped with rhetoric from both sides of the political isle and for the same reasons. We as a people do not even know where our money is spent because there is no accountability and there is no concern or will to hold those in power accountable.
For instance, take a look at the government grant websites for just a small illustration. Do we really need to fund these universities to conduct half the studies that prove to be of no benefit to the mess we have made of our political system? Do we really need to dole out billions to banks who corruptly take advantage of those who are already disenfranchised.
Our government has become an unwieldily machine that even the operators do not understand. Sadly unless we wake up it will eventually come to some sad grinding halt and our Megalopolis that is Capital Hill will collapse. Simple because there are not enough who care to shout from the roof that the house is on fire.
The fact that some “Americans” think they are paying more taxes that what they should, no necesary mean that in fact they are doing it. I wonder if they know or if they had even thought about the commodities and services they got , for paying taxes????
I also wonder if really the few richest people in the country feel the same way?
They have become so greedy, insensible to help those that have less, but they still call themself Christians, they should be shame of themselfs and stop denigrating the name of Christ !!!
FLAT TAX ! Shut down off-shore banks! Decrease size of IRS! Tax evaders to guard borders and educate the youth K-12 ! Use the SUBMARINE STRATEGY !! ” It needs to be done now-use what you’ve got” If you don’t agree;get off the boat !!!!