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Comment by paul9290 | Hacker News Reader

Taxes here in the states are overall disgusting, though you don't realize it until your salary inches upwards. When your making 40K to 55K here in the states the amount of taxes taken seems like a fair share. Though when you almost double that you wonder what's the point of making more money on paper as in your pocket you only make 60 to 65 percent of of your earnings - WTH?

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I guess it's not only about the amount of taxes, but also what you get out of them. Recently I was considering moving from Germany to California, and decided it's not worth it money wise. Yes, the nominal salary is a bit better, and nominal taxes are a bit lower in the USA, but what would I get for it? Here, I get full health insurance included in my taxes, retirements contribution also. In addition, I get 4k€/year in child support, free quality education all the way through the university, subsidized education for grown ups and only 60€/month full day child care. If I were to go to USA, I guess my complete taxes would be used for harassing other countries, and I'd still have to pay a lot more for things that here I get for "free".

This is why I contemplate moving to Europe. In Illinois, I'm making ~$120K/year salary. After payroll taxes, I see ~$72K of that. Then take into account sales tax (10%) and property taxes (~$3K/year).

I'm effectively paying EU tax rates without any of the benefits (child care, universal healthcare, etc).

I don't really get the whole aversion to taxes. "Just being aware of a state that doesn't have a 0% state income tax makes me quiver". Really? I use the roads, I like public parks, I enjoy cheap public transportation, what's wrong with taxes? I'll happily contribute if it means better communal life in my city/state. As someone else mentioned further down, some EU countries pay up to 65% taxes. This guy quivers at the thought of >0%?

Naturally I assume you[ve started declining raises and promotions now because you "don't see the point".

The point would be making more money. Also, perhaps, being more productive, accomplishing more, having great responsibility, and contributing more to society.

Of course, the people still making your old salary surely feel terrible that your now-doubled salary is filling you with discussed. If you ask nicely, I bet they'll trade paychecks with you so you feel better.

Umm check out toomuchtodo's post above and think to yourself.... yeah I've worked hard and smart and now I'm making 120K on paper, yet in my pocket after all the taxes I only get 60K? WHAT!?!

But if you make 50K your gonna see 38K in your pocket. 12K in taxes is a fair amount as I'm all for taxes for roads and services I use.

Though taking half of what you make each year in the various taxes is insane and again for me makes me think why work harder and smarter. The majority of my rewards will be taken from me!

I'm skeptical of your numbers. See the graph here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/09/19/h...

Regardless, you seem to be upset that we have a progressive tax system, where the rich proportionally pay more. That seems fine to me. Paying for "what you use" is a terrible standard. The whole thing has to get paid for.

My pay per consulting contract fluctuates. I am fortunate and happy to be doing better then previously.

Though what percentage is a fair share? I was fine with 25 percent tax, but damn after working hard and smart your reward is a little more money in your pocket and a lot more in Uncle Sam's pocket....

Living in Denmark, I'd say 50% or so is fair. :) Half for my individualized personal needs, and half for the provision of general goods and services that everyone can use, including me (healthcare, parks, transit system, education, social safety net, police, etc.).

....and taxes are any lower in other countries? I would love to be paying American rather than Chinese taxes on my salary.

How about 65% taxes? Welcome to Europe :-)

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