Debate Over the Wealth Tax

Are the wealthy getting away with not paying their fair share of taxes, or are they carrying an unfair burden? The debate over the top tax bracket rages on as concerns about income inequality and the concentration of wealth at the top of the economic ladder continue to make headlines. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have both proposed a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, while even multi-billionaire Warren Buffett has vocally expressed support for the idea, suggesting that it is fair for wealthy Americans to be taxed at a higher rate.

Currently, the top federal income tax rate stands at 37%, applicable to incomes of $539,000 and higher for single taxpayers and $647,850 and higher for couples filing jointly. However, historical data reveals that the top marginal tax rate has been significantly higher in previous eras. In 1944 and 1945, it peaked at a staggering 94%, and in the late 1980s, it hit a low of 28% under former President Ronald Reagan.

Historical Context and Present Day

The taxation of the wealthy has fluctuated significantly throughout U.S. history, demonstrating both higher and lower levels of taxation than the current status. This historical perspective adds complexity to the ongoing debate regarding whether the rich are paying their fair share of taxes. Despite the disputes, recent data from the IRS sheds light on the current tax scenario.

Top 1% Tax Contributions

In 2020, the top 1% of taxpayers—those earning $561,351 or more—contributed a significant 42.3% of the total tax revenue collected. This translates to the top 1% paying more income taxes than the bottom 90% combined. Astonishingly, the top 1% paid a staggering $723 billion in income taxes, while the bottom 90% collectively contributed $450 billion.

State-Level Analysis

Examining the tax burden on the wealthiest individuals at the state level yields interesting findings:

Alabama

• Minimum income to be considered 1%: $404,560
• Average income of the 1%: $1,107,769
• Average income tax paid by the 1%: $263,845
• Average tax rate of the 1%: 23.82%

Alaska

• Minimum income to be considered 1%: $466,905
• Average income of the 1%: $999,772
• Average income tax paid by the 1%: $253,754
• Average tax rate of the 1%: 25.38%

Arizona

• Minimum income to be considered 1%: $485,146
• Average income of the 1%: $1,464,848
• Average income tax paid by the 1%: $369,426
• Average tax rate of the 1%: 25.22%

Arkansas

• Minimum income to be considered 1%: $387,666
• Average income of the 1%: $1,483,925
• Average income tax paid by the 1%: $313,266
• Average tax rate of the 1%: 21.11%

California

• Minimum income to be considered 1%: $726,188
• Average income of the 1%: $2,430,790
• Average income tax paid by the 1%: $655,180
• Average tax rate of the 1%: 26.95%

Colorado

• Minimum income to be considered 1%: $609,919
• Average income of the 1%: $1,799,148
• Average income tax paid by the 1%: $465,284
• Average tax rate of the 1%: 25.86%