[rb22982]

#1 is basically just a deferred benefit. For folks closer to the max though you get reduced payments vs what you put in, those at the low end get a lot more for what you put in, so higher income folks do get a big tax on their contributions. You also need to double those amounts for the employer portion.

[fwdude]

Nothing wrong with deferred benefits; most people understand this principle in insurance issues and savings/investing. The fact that this tax is involuntary is what makes all my points salient.

Never trust a government that takes things from you "for your own good."