[Torie]

I pay slightly over 50% in state and federal taxes

No you don't actually, even including FICA payments, which to some extent you get back, unless you pay very high property taxes on an expensive house. If you earn a very high income, and live in a high income tax state, it is probably as an average rate, about 40 to 45 percent max. Myself, with careful planning, about a 38% of what I earn and make from investments, goes to the public weal.

[Torie]

Actually, on checking my tax returns, and estimating gas and sales taxes, it is closer to 35%. Such a deal.

[XBob]

112 - "Myself, with careful planning, about a 38% of what I earn and make from investments, goes to the public weal. "

What do you pay in taxes on what you earn - earned income - not from investments?

And don't forget to include 15.3% for social security/medicair, state and local income taxes, property tax, telephone tax, unemployment, and other taxes which are paid for you by your employer.

[XBob]

112 - "Myself, with careful planning, about a 38% of what I earn and make from investments, goes to the public weal. "

What do you pay in taxes on what you earn - earned income - not from investments?

And don't forget to include 15.3% for social security/medicair, state and local income taxes, property tax, telephone tax, unemployment, and other taxes which are paid for you by your employer.

[underbyte]

" No you don't actually, even including FICA payments, which to some extent you get back, unless you pay very high property taxes on an expensive house"

Well, being self employed I pay the full vig on FICA 15% & 35%

Federal + state sales tax, property tax, $ .60 a gallom gas tax, state income tax. yes it adds up to about %55.