Mastodawn

How tax burdens compare across wealthy countries and what it means for middle-class workers

📰 Original title: How big would your tax burden be in another rich country?

🤖 IA: It's not clickbait ✅
👥 Users: It's not clickbait ✅

View full AI summary https://en.killbait.com/how-tax-burdens-compare-across-wealthy-countries-and-what-it-means-for-middle-class-workers.html?utm_source=mastodon_world&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=killbait.mastodon_world

#opinion #taxburden #oecd #middleclass

How tax burdens compare across wealthy countries and what it means for middle-class workers

This opinion piece from the Washington Post Editorial Board examines how tax burdens vary across wealthy countries, focusing on comparisons between the United States and other members of the OECD. It explains the concept of the “tax wedge,” which includes income taxes and social security contributions paid by both employees and employers. Using an example of a U.S. worker earning around $79,000 in total labor costs, the article shows how roughly 30 percent of compensation is absorbed by taxes and payroll contributions before reaching take-home pay. The piece argues that while many Americans look to European countries for inspiration in building stronger welfare systems, those systems are often financed not primarily by taxing the rich but by broad-based taxes on middle-income workers. It notes that average tax rates across OECD countries have risen for multiple consecutive years, reaching a decade high of 35.1 percent in 2025. In many cases, governments are increasing revenue through higher income taxes or by failing to adjust tax brackets for inflation, which effectively pushes more workers into higher tax brackets. The article also highlights differences within countries, noting that families with children often receive varying levels of tax relief, and that single parents in the U.S. can face particularly steep marginal losses on additional earnings due to taxes and benefit phaseouts. Despite relatively low tax rates compared to Europe, the U.S. maintains high levels of spending on pensions and healthcare, resulting in large federal deficits and a national debt exceeding $39 trillion. Ultimately, the editorial warns that the U.S. model relies heavily on borrowing, which may not be sustainable long-term. It suggests that while economic growth and lower taxes can support higher incomes, rising fiscal pressures in advanced economies show the trade-offs involved in expanding welfare states without corresponding tax increases.

KillBait

KillBait May 25

How tax burdens compare across wealthy countries and what it means for middle-class workers

📰 Original title: How big would your tax burden be in another rich country?

🤖 IA: It's not clickbait ✅
👥 Users: It's not clickbait ✅

View full AI summary https://en.killbait.com/how-tax-burdens-compare-across-wealthy-countries-and-what-it-means-for-middle-class-workers.html?utm_source=mastodon_social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=killbait.mastodon_social

#opinion #taxburden #oecd #middleclass

How tax burdens compare across wealthy countries and what it means for middle-class workers

This opinion piece from the Washington Post Editorial Board examines how tax burdens vary across wealthy countries, focusing on comparisons between the United States and other members of the OECD. It explains the concept of the “tax wedge,” which includes income taxes and social security contributions paid by both employees and employers. Using an example of a U.S. worker earning around $79,000 in total labor costs, the article shows how roughly 30 percent of compensation is absorbed by taxes and payroll contributions before reaching take-home pay. The piece argues that while many Americans look to European countries for inspiration in building stronger welfare systems, those systems are often financed not primarily by taxing the rich but by broad-based taxes on middle-income workers. It notes that average tax rates across OECD countries have risen for multiple consecutive years, reaching a decade high of 35.1 percent in 2025. In many cases, governments are increasing revenue through higher income taxes or by failing to adjust tax brackets for inflation, which effectively pushes more workers into higher tax brackets. The article also highlights differences within countries, noting that families with children often receive varying levels of tax relief, and that single parents in the U.S. can face particularly steep marginal losses on additional earnings due to taxes and benefit phaseouts. Despite relatively low tax rates compared to Europe, the U.S. maintains high levels of spending on pensions and healthcare, resulting in large federal deficits and a national debt exceeding $39 trillion. Ultimately, the editorial warns that the U.S. model relies heavily on borrowing, which may not be sustainable long-term. It suggests that while economic growth and lower taxes can support higher incomes, rising fiscal pressures in advanced economies show the trade-offs involved in expanding welfare states without corresponding tax increases.

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Liam O'Mara IV, PhD Mar 21

#MargaretThatcher created a #PollTax — an attempt to shift more #TaxBurden onto ordinary Britons — sparking a massive campaign of #CivilDisobedience and some outright rioting. Thatcher resigned over the fallout, and #JohnMajor announced its abolition on #ThisDayInHistory in 1991.

Mathrubhumi English Feb 22

A Pakistani media article claims citizens face high taxes without adequate welfare benefits. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/pakistan-high-taxes-no-welfare-citizens-plight-xslcr4ds?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PakistanEconomy #FiscalCrisis #TaxBurden #Economy #Pakistan

Eric Foltin Feb 8

Paying Taxes Feels Like Failing a Test You Didn’t Take

What part of “adulting” still feels like an elaborate prank? Here’s the thing about “adulting.” It was sold to us like some grim rite of passage. Pay your bills. Show up. Don’t die. Fine. Whatever. But paying taxes still feels like an elaborate prank pulled by people who hate joy and math equally. Nobody explains it. Nobody agrees on the rules. The rules change mid-game. And if you mess up, the punishment isn’t “oops,” it’s letters written in the tone of a disappointed […]

https://ericfoltin.com/2026/02/08/paying-taxes-feels-like-failing-a-test-you-didnt-take/

Mathrubhumi English Feb 7

High taxes, low services: Pakistan’s economy feeds the few, crushes the productive https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/pakistan-tax-crisis-economic-woes-kthpw55k?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PakistanEconomy #FiscalPolicy #TaxBurden #Bureaucracy

Scientific World Aug 22, 2025

Explore the social impacts of high taxation on salaried Indians—from financial stress and lifestyle shifts to changing perceptions of equity and government trust. A deep dive into how tax burdens shape middle-class aspirations and societal dynamics.
#IncomeTaxIndia #TaxBurden #SalariedStruggles #TaxReformIndia
https://www.scitechsociety.com/what-are-the-social-impacts-of-high-taxation-on-salaried-indians/

What are the Social Impacts of High Taxation on Salaried Indians?

Explore the social impacts of high taxation on salaried Indians—covering lifestyle, stress, inequality and reforms with global comparisons and recommendations.

SciTech Society – Build a Scientific and Technical Society Explore the social impacts of high taxation on salaried Indians—covering lifestyle, stress, inequality and reforms with global comparisons and recommendations.

Larry Sharpe (@LarrySharpe)Apr 28, 2025

Many New Yorkers are considering leaving! 🗽✈️

In this clip from my LIVE WYSL call-in show, I respond to a comment about leaving New York. I share my personal struggle as a native New Yorker—angry but determined to stay for my family, friends, and business. I understand why so many are planning to leave, waiting for a child to graduate, a parent to pass, or for retirement.

#newyork #leavingnewyork #taxburden #costofliving #kathyhochul