"how much are prices inflated by the costs of our tax system - and how does wage reduction factor into this? or does it? i'd like your opinion and any supporting information..."
According to the economists who have studied it, anywhere from 15 - 30% depending on the industry, somewhere around 22% on average. I'm not sure I understand your question about wage reductions.
thank you philwill for the information. do you have any links or sources?
the part about wage reduction was a question as to whether the tax costs not only affect price but also affect wages... since we have to compete price-wise with subsidized imports, maybe some of the domestic tax costs are paid via wage reductions?