‘Overtaxed’ Americans a politically useful myth
Earlier this week, an analysis by The New York Times confirmed once more a conclusion posted repeatedly on this blog:
Contrary to the popular image of Americans as overtaxed to within an inch of our economic lives, citizens of this country in almost every economic group pay a significantly smaller share of their income in taxes — state, local and federal — than they did 30 years ago.
The sole exception:
“Lower-income households, however, saved little or nothing. Many pay no federal income taxes, but they do pay a range of other levies, like federal payroll taxes, state sales taxes and local property taxes. Only about half of taxpaying households with incomes below $25,000 paid less in 2010.”
(An interactive and much more extensive version of the chart above is available here.)
Any honest analysis of our current financial situation must account for this basic, fundamental fact. By comparison with other major industrial countries, and by comparison with our own history, we are undertaxed not overtaxed. Politicians buy votes just as easily by promising endless and repeated tax cuts as by promising new spending programs, and after some three decades of such policies, we are shocked to find ourselves increasingly in debt?
– Jay Bookman
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
999 comments Add your comment
Gman
December 1st, 2012
8:07 pm
You know, you really don’t have to listen to WSB to know what Limpballs, Fannity, Borks, are saying! Just read the Con comments on this blog…
Common Sense isn't very Common
December 1st, 2012
8:09 pm
JMH
Check out the new hire salaries for Federal employees. It might surprise you.
That is unless you advocate firing the current employees.
Recon 0311 2533
December 1st, 2012
8:10 pm
Georgia couldn’t defend against the run. It was pathetic to watch such an inept defense in the second half as they looked tired and just gave up.
Kamchak - "Socialism" is just a code word for "fear," the monster under you bed ~ Kamchak
December 1st, 2012
8:11 pm
Are you surprised? I’m surprised that YOU’RE surprised!!
No offense intended DDR, but The Dawgs did score 28 points against Alabama — unlike another team which shall remain nameless and coachless — which scored 0 points against Alabama.
Steve-USA
December 1st, 2012
8:11 pm
Hang on everybody….Karl Rove has just proclaimed that the Bulldogs can still win this game!
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:12 pm
Undertaxed…Overtaxed…the problem is we are overspent. Or does Jay think that’t not a problem? I personally do not want to pay one more cent of my hard earned income to the government until they quit p*****g it away. Why cant’ they close tax loopholes instead of taking more money out our paychecks? All the polls show that voters want cuts in spending as well.
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:13 pm
Mark Richt’s clock management cost us another game. Why not ‘clock’ the ball with 12 seconds left and run 2 plays? Pathetic.
Lee
December 1st, 2012
8:14 pm
Jay is being a bit misleading. Income tax is just ONE of MANY taxes we taxpayers are burdened with. Some estimates the average taxpayer may pay up to 70-80% of their total income to taxes.
Federal income tax, state income tax, payroll taxes, sales tax, property tax, gasoline tax, cigarette tax, liquor tax, etc, etc, etc. They add in the hidden taxes such as gasoline tax and the other taxes that get passed along to the individual such as usage tax, inventory tax, machinery tax, tariffs, etc, etc, etc. Also consider that taxes paid by businesses get rolled into the cost of the products we buy.
Tax, tax, tax. Our forefathers would be shooting by now…..
Recon 0311 2533
December 1st, 2012
8:15 pm
“Karl Rove has just proclaimed that the Bulldogs can still win this game!”
Obama proclaims that there should be point redistribution and Alabama should contribute their fair share.
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:16 pm
DDR
Wal Mart wants to display another Coach’s Trophy in Alabama. Since Auburn is unable to fulfill that need, the Tide has to step in.
Kamchak - "Socialism" is just a code word for "fear," the monster under you bed ~ Kamchak
December 1st, 2012
8:18 pm
Our forefathers would be shooting by now…..
“Our forefathers” were incensed about being taxed without representation.
Hard to make that claim now.
getalife
December 1st, 2012
8:18 pm
“Why cant’ they close tax loopholes instead of taking more money out our paychecks?”
Uh, because cons bow down for corporate power.
Stand up.
JMH
December 1st, 2012
8:20 pm
Kamchak your such a typical left wing dbag. You don’t have any facts to back up your argument so you act like a 3rd grader. Oh yeah I did remember one of his new ideas- more stimulus spending- since it worked so well the first time lets do it again. What a bunch of ignorant people we have in this country who voted for this clown. Don’t whine when you don’t get your .25/ hour raise at McDonald’s this year; your lucky to have a job.
Kamchak - "Socialism" is just a code word for "fear," the monster under you bed ~ Kamchak
December 1st, 2012
8:20 pm
Since Auburn is unable to fulfill that need, the Tide has to step in.
Personal foul, late hit out of bounds.
15 yards from the spot of the foul, FIRST DOWN!
Congrats, by the way. (Damnit!)
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:20 pm
So Repuclicans only take money from large corporations? You are so stupid.
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:21 pm
recon, you ever try to tackle a truck running behind nearly a ton of battering ram? besides anyone can get into alabama….and they likely pay better
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:21 pm
Just imagine if people were actually finding good paying jobs; it would be even better.
Well, it’s not incumbent upon the government to hire people, is it? In that same time period, corporations reported record profits, the stock market doubled, but hiring was virtually nonexistent. Why fault the government for the lack of private sector hiring, when the government can not dictate it?
Also Federal workers are paid more on average than their private sector counterparts to start with; I can back that up with some concrete numbers if you would like but you know it’s true so don’t start whining and call me a liar.
That’s all based on who you compare. There’s no way to claim you’re a liar. For what you claim you can prove, I can prove the opposite. That’s the thing about facts and figures, they can be twisted and manipulated to prove whatever it is you wish to prove.
Kamchak - "Socialism" is just a code word for "fear," the monster under you bed ~ Kamchak
December 1st, 2012
8:21 pm
Kamchak your[sic] such a typical left wing dbag.
Too funny!
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:22 pm
Where did spellcheck go?
getalife
December 1st, 2012
8:23 pm
“Obama proclaims that there should be point redistribution and Alabama should contribute their fair share.”
ODS much?
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:23 pm
Dammitt Kamchak!!!!! That 8:11 is getting you a warning. That’s the second unsportsmanlike conduct for you. You can’t lead with the helmet on a defenseless player like that.
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:23 pm
That’s all based on who you compare. There’s no way to claim you’re a liar. For what you claim you can prove, I can prove the opposite. That’s the thing about facts and figures, they can be twisted and manipulated to prove whatever it is you wish to prove
Just like Jay did to get this blog started
Orange12
December 1st, 2012
8:23 pm
Fed workers have been denied COLA for 2+ years. The Pres. needs to give these people a heavy COLA as they are working for their money unlike a large percentage of people that just want to not work and collect free money from the Gov.
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:24 pm
Does shortening it to dbag keep you from being banned?
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:24 pm
liberal pariah, you’d think both saban and richt could hire a clock keeper/strategist. they both kinda blew it. murray should have spiked he’s in gd grad school. he had to make sure he got ball to end zone with no time, but his height cost uga another one.
would love to see recon stop lacey
Orange12
December 1st, 2012
8:25 pm
Bama running backs need to be tested for steroids.
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:26 pm
Kam @ 8:20
That was a good game though. It turned out just about the way I thought it would.
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:26 pm
clem..Saban doesn’t have a history of clock mismanagement like Richt. Cost us an important game against Auburn a few years ago. Frustrating.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
December 1st, 2012
8:27 pm
Oh yeah I did remember one of his new ideas- more stimulus spending- since it worked so well the first time lets do it again.
Ahhh, the stupidity of those who make claims that the economists have already disproven many times…..thy name is the GOPpers.
Kamchak - "Socialism" is just a code word for "fear," the monster under you bed ~ Kamchak
December 1st, 2012
8:27 pm
Does shortening it to dbag keep you from being banned?
Not that I know of.
I’ve been calling Bill Maher a douchebag asshat here for years.
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:28 pm
jarvis jones looked a bit light tonight. he looked like a boy vs men size wise. speed not much of an asset if they are running right down your throat.
Liberal Pariah
December 1st, 2012
8:30 pm
Kam…now that’s funny right there, I don’t care who you are…that’s funny. And something we agree on too
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:30 pm
Does shortening it to dbag keep you from being banned?
If you’re talking about a public persona, it’s game on. If you’re talking about another blogger, it will likely get you a yellow card. If you call that same blogger, delusional lickspittle, then you’re gonna get banned.
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:30 pm
saban blew it at end of first half….think they carried 2 timeouts; wasted 14 seconds.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
8:30 pm
That was a good game though. It turned out just about the way I thought it would.
Yeah, me too.
Fred has a good point, Richt doesn’t have it in him to win “The Game”.
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:32 pm
but somehow it was a respectable game and they very easily could have one it….besides spurrier said bama could be the jaguars
Recon 0311 2533
December 1st, 2012
8:33 pm
clem, as much as I’d like to make your wish come true the fact is Lacy’s a bit younger than me. In fact quite a bit younger than me.
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:35 pm
Kam
That team is real. I don’t know how many they will lose to the draft, but they have the foundation for a serious run at a national title. Some of it may be giving them the right mindset, which falls on the shoulders of the coaching staff. They definitely have the talent, and this year should help in recruiting even more.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
8:38 pm
Common: I bet Notre Dame wanted anyone to win except for Bama
Word.
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
recon, i have been critical of dawgs in the past for effort, but tonite i don’t think they can be faulted there….uga doesn’t get them as big and as mean as bama, lsu, & fl. and much like bobby bowden, richt is too nice a guy. murray got his bell rung in first half and was trying.
i have child in mourning tonite who graduated from uga, but told em to hold their head high.
Recon 0311 2533
December 1st, 2012
8:41 pm
When teams play through a season and get into a championship game and lose close the loss can’t be pinned on coaching. Richt didn’t lose this game.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
8:43 pm
SoCo/Bro
You realize of course, if Alabama loses to Notre Dame you will be derisively scorned here, don’t you?
clem
December 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
don’t think notre dame has enough team speed and their qb will have to be more stable.
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
Kam
If Bama loses to ND, I will take that scorn here, and then drive to Tuscaloosa and dish it out ten times worse. I’m actually surprised that Bama didn’t bring out the 1992 team for this game. That year, they won the first SEC Championship and then beat Miami in the Sugar Bowl. I think it’s meant for that team to get recognition 20 years later in Miami.
JMH
December 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
Kamchak- your mom says its past your bedtime and its her bedtime too- think she wants to take out her frustration over the GA loss on me! I’ll let u know how it goes- nighty nite!
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:48 pm
Kinda off topic, I can’t believe the NFL is not cancelling the Chief’s game tomorrow. Even if it’s about the money, they should push it to Monday or Tuesday.
Recon 0311 2533
December 1st, 2012
8:49 pm
I don’t see Alabama losing to Notre Dame but of course in football anything can happen in any given game.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
December 1st, 2012
8:49 pm
Ooohhhh a mom insult…. how original. Why I bet Kam is devastated!
Corey
December 1st, 2012
8:50 pm
@Get Real
December 1st, 2012
11:51 am
The president has been saying way back in 2008 raise taxes on everyone making above 250K back to the pre-Bush tax cut rate. Lower taxes on those making less than that. We are waiting on the Republicans to specify the cuts they want. They are stuck on “don’t raise taxes on anyone”, and they have yet to specify the cuts they want. The closest they have come is, “reform entitlements.” Please pay attention, Get Real.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
8:52 pm
Kam: No offense intended DDR, but The Dawgs did score 28 points against Alabama — unlike another team which shall remain nameless and coachless — which scored 0 points against Alabama.
Sigh…….Not. That. Again.
Wait til NEXT year!! WAR DAMN EAGLE BAby! WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!
Steve: Hang on everybody….Karl Rove has just proclaimed that the Bulldogs can still win this game!
Funny!
Oh and SoCoBro this is for you:
http://tinyurl.com/cynyyz5
Enjoy.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
8:55 pm
SoCo/Bro
Don’t get me wrong, as a general rule, I usually throw my support behind the team that is next in line to play the team that defeated mine, but I will give my full-throated support to Alabama in the National title game.
I really think y’all will dominate their punk asses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JMH
“Yo Mama” insults?
Really?
Shouldn’t you be doing your homework about what Obama said concerning this so called poutrage over fiscal cliffs?
And speaking of cliffs, Cliff’s notes are not acceptable.
Recon 0311 2533
December 1st, 2012
8:57 pm
Corey,
Maybe you’ve missed some of the reporting but Congressional Republicans have proposed capping deductions for high income earners and means testing for entitlement benefits. I would think that’s a step forward in beginning the negotiation process.
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
DDR
Why it gotta be the lil man???
Here’s one right back at cha’..
http://tinyurl.com/dxt74w8
getalife
December 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
jhs.
Grow up son.
The Catholics stopping the Lacy- Yeldon one two punch running the football will not happen.
I predict a blowout by Alabama.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
9:01 pm
Sigh…….Not. That. Again.
Then. Don’t. Lead. With. Your. Chin.
I still loves ya, baby.
Besides, Vince Dooley came from Auburn.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
December 1st, 2012
9:16 pm
With six seconds left you “MUST” only throw to the end zone.
Oh well ……………………..
Orange12
December 1st, 2012
9:18 pm
Jamvet must be beside himself, Nebraska is getting throttled by Whisky.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
9:28 pm
“throttled by whisky”?
Sounds like something that hookers charge extra for.
Brosephus™: "Browning America Since 1973"
December 1st, 2012
9:38 pm
Sounds like something that hookers charge extra for.
Or somebody that can’t handle their liquor.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
9:57 pm
Bro: Here’s one right back at cha’..
Kam: I still loves ya, baby. Besides, Vince Dooley came from Auburn
This is for the both of you. And its from my heart……..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwcv1IZRCe0&feature=fvwp
Tundra Dude
December 1st, 2012
10:03 pm
Jamvet must be beside himself, Nebraska is getting throttled by Whisky
With a rookie QB making his just his 3rd start, I’m shocked my Badgers are blowing them out….
Bring on them hillbillies..Al..
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:05 pm
Awwww, DDR.
How come you do me like you do?
RB from Gwinnett
December 1st, 2012
10:07 pm
Jay, time to send your diploma back to PSU and stop calling yourself a “journalist”. Just another in a long line of lying BS posts from you.
Please tell us how it’s statistically possible for the 47% who pay no taxes to now be paying less than they did whenever you choose. Complete effing BS lies, jay. Just dam…
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:11 pm
…the 47% who pay no taxes…
There’s your sign.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
10:11 pm
Well Kam……….
Why can’t you do right?
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:15 pm
DDR
I was born to be bad.
RB from Gwinnett
December 1st, 2012
10:16 pm
“There’s your sign.”
Idiot…
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:18 pm
Idiot…
Every
.
.
consumer
.
.
pays
.
.
taxes,
.
.
sport.
RB from Gwinnett
December 1st, 2012
10:23 pm
Yes dumbarse, we know everybody pays payroll, sales, and property taxes, but the intellectually astute of us know none of those tax rates are the subject of the tax the rich garbage your master is pushing. Bow to your master tool. I’m not playing your childish game.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
10:27 pm
Well! Kam!
You know DDR just LOVES those bad boys!!
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:28 pm
Yes dumbarse, we know everybody pays payroll, sales, and property taxes…
You really wanna go to the instant replay to verify whether or not you made that distinction, sport?
Because upon further review, you said, “the 47% who pay no taxes”.
getalife
December 1st, 2012
10:29 pm
rb bows down for the wealthy.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:32 pm
DDR, you are a spoken for woman, so this is as far as I can go when it come to flirtin’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-gz-yddE6Q
RB from Gwinnett
December 1st, 2012
10:37 pm
“You really wanna go to the instant replay to verify whether or not you made that distinction, sport?”
Divert and dodge, eh? Is that really all you got?
Smart people know better, tool. Stay in the kiddy pool if that’s what you’ve got.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:40 pm
Divert and dodge, eh?
If by “divert and dodge” you mean hold your feet to the fire to what you actually said then yes Robert Brown from Gwinnett, divert and dodge.
getalife
December 1st, 2012
10:41 pm
rb,
Do you miss mitt?
RB from Gwinnett
December 1st, 2012
10:44 pm
Hey lying sack, tell me, when Obama says the rich need to pay their fair share,!is he talking about payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, or federal income taxes? Which one of those is he trying to increase by 10%?
Stay in the kiddy pool with your childish drivel tool.
getalife
December 1st, 2012
10:46 pm
rb,
Perhaps you should listen to our President in the campaign that crushed you last cycle.
He wanst to do what he won on silly.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
December 1st, 2012
10:46 pm
I bet Notre Dame is on suicide watch !
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
December 1st, 2012
10:50 pm
Robert Brown melt-down.
Pavlovian.
RB from Gwinnett
December 1st, 2012
10:56 pm
“If by “divert and dodge” you mean hold your feet to the fire to what you actually said then yes ”
Translation… I know what people mean when they say 47% pay no taxes but I want to avoid the REAL conversation about that so I’m going to argue semantic issues about trivial BS and hope they don’t notice.
Sorry dude, homey ain’t playing that silly game.
They BOTH suck
December 1st, 2012
10:56 pm
Congrats to Bama and the Bama fans.
Dawgs played a gutsy game, but the best overall team won.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
11:04 pm
Oh Well Kam — If I can’t seduce you away from RB, at least I can make you happy in other ways…..
Enjoy!
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda, Gangman Style!
December 1st, 2012
11:11 pm
Good nite all —
Wait till next year –Auburn will be BACK!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwIvBNsSywQ
Tundra Dude
December 1st, 2012
11:51 pm
bet Notre Dame is on suicide watch !
Axshully, them Al hillbillys are Over-Rated
getalife
December 2nd, 2012
12:34 am
LSU!
Oscar
December 2nd, 2012
12:51 am
Good game. Team that scored the most points won. Could have gone either way.
Bama has one heck of an offensive line. Wears you down and runs you over.
Oscar
December 2nd, 2012
12:56 am
I don’t think the ND defensive players are going to get much sleep tonight.
Look before I leap...
December 2nd, 2012
1:15 am
Back from the tailgate, game and after game parties.
I think I am drunk.
Not an AL or UGA fan but love a good party.
Great game though – right up to the last pass…
I don’t generally make predictions, but I think AL beats ND: 41 – 17 in the BCS.
Congrats to UGA for a great season.
PS to RB:
You can either have your head up your arse or the Rush Talking points – but unless your rectum is the size of Gwinnett county, you don’t have room for both.
Joel Edge
December 2nd, 2012
6:02 am
The person quoted at the beginning of the article is quoted as paying 40% of his income in taxes. Just how much more do you think is “fair”, Mr. Bookman? It’s also funny he’s complaining about the rich not paying their fair share. According to the current administration, he is rich. And for the rest of you complaining about being under taxed, have you sent in a check for the amount that you believe you owe?
dcb
December 2nd, 2012
6:49 am
For a change I actually agree with one of Jay’s comments – “Politicians buy votes just as easily by promising endless and repeated tax cuts as by promising new spending programs, and after some three decades of such policies, we are shocked to find ourselves increasingly in debt?” But what I would like to see some day is a dollar comparison of taxes paid from 20 years ago – rather than a percentage change.
dcb
December 2nd, 2012
6:51 am
Am I the only one who doesn’t understand how one can call the failure to extend the Bush tax cuts a tax increase? Let’s face it – we’re lucky to have saved those tax monies during the time the tax cut was in effect. We’re just going back to the rates we would have been paying if it hadn’t been for Bush and his tax cut program to stimulate the economy.
AU Liberal in ATL
December 2nd, 2012
7:31 am
“We will not let fact checkers dictate our campaign”
AU Liberal in ATL
December 2nd, 2012
7:34 am
Lucky? LUCKY? Are you nuts? The unpaid for Bush tax cuts is one reason we’re in this mess. Lucky indeed.
Brosephus™
December 2nd, 2012
7:37 am
Yes dumbarse, we know everybody pays payroll, sales, and property taxes
What a dumbarse statement. People who’s income comes from dividends, carried interest, retirement pensions, and such do not pay payroll taxes as payroll taxes are only deducted from earned wages. Geez…
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think
December 2nd, 2012
7:49 am
Good morning all y’all…
Come on now people. It IS your patriotic duty to pay your taxes for being a apart of the greatest nation in the world. If you cheat on your taxes, or hide taxable income in other countries, as far as I’m concerned, you are a traitor….and part of the deficit problem. Pay your dues to your country. It’s the right thing to do.
Mick
December 2nd, 2012
8:09 am
Yes corbin, that’s pretty much the way I see it too…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7csvgL-G3E
stands for decibels
December 2nd, 2012
8:10 am
Late to this, but I happened upon Scout’s
We don’t have a taxing problem we have a spending problem.
and Scout is mostly right. We’re not spending nearly enough to get Americans back to work. The taxes we collect at the moment aren’t the house-on-fire problem to tackle.
However, taxing the upper 1% or so a bit more now is a needed step in the right direction, so why not.
That is all.
indigo
December 2nd, 2012
8:19 am
Students from the M. Agnes Jones Elementary school were shown on TV this morning decorating a Christmas tree at the governor’s mansion.
They were ALL black.
Well, so much for integration.
catlady
December 2nd, 2012
8:33 am
I note that so many cry for spending cuts, JUST NOT ANY THAT AFFECT THEM!