Why Denmark?

Maybe Not 35%

Tisdale - Thursday, January 17, 2002 - by: Ken Styan

Timothy;

Read your article with interest, and although I agree with the general context; I am somewhat concerned about the accuracy of your statement;

"most of us pay about 35% of our gross income to taxes"

. I have never paid this rate and out of curiosity I completed a tax return, based on a two person family with one income of $50,000.00. I used only the Basic Personal Non Refundable Tax Credit for a husband/wife and their dependent spouse (No other Credits, such as Medical, Donations, etc., ). I arrived at 22.138%. Total tax payable (Federal - $6861.00 + Provincial $4218.00 =$11069.00) divided by Total income of $50,000.00

Further to this I quote Jim Stanford, Economist, Canadian Auto Workers

"the total tax rate paid by truly middle income Canadians rarely exceeds 25 percent."

Editor's note: I replied to Ken pointed out that I was in error, as I was only considering my own situation when last employed in a two income family when 35% was what we paid. But I also pointed out that when other forms of taxes were included it still is a very high percentage. Ken's reply is below:

Still disagree with you somewhat, in respect to Two income families versus One income families. (Depends on your total individual income ). As I stated in my earlier message, a Two person family with One income of $50,000.00 would pay 22%. If you split that income (Two person family, with Two incomes of $25000.00 each = $50,000.00 Total ), they each would pay $4770.00 or $9540.00 total , which equates to 19%.

I guess the Feds in their infinite wisdom feel that the savings will pay for purchase , operation and maintenance of a second car, work clothes for two, rather than one, perhaps a baby sitter, whatever.

I agree with the context of your article in general. I believe that in order to continue to benefit from one of the best (at least it was ) Health Care Plans in the world , we may be forced to pay more taxes. Now if an equalization formula were used wherein large corporations and business's were assessed on a level with the salaried employee , the increase might not be required , or a least it would be more palatable.

Almost forgot; you are absolutely correct in stating that when you factor in the other taxes we pay,( property, Provincial Sales, G.S.T. & fuel taxes, etc. ) the 35% you quote is probably conservative. It would likely be in the 45% - 50% range!

Ken Styan

------------------Reference:

Reference: Jim Stanford article in The Progressive Economics Forum.



Maybe Not 35%

Tisdale - Thursday, January 17, 2002 - by: Ken Styan

	Timothy;

	Read your article with interest, and although I agree with the general context; I am somewhat concerned about the accuracy of your statement;
	`"most of us pay about 35% of our gross income to taxes"`
	. I have never paid this rate and out of curiosity I completed a tax return, based on a two person family with one income of $50,000.00. I used only the Basic Personal Non Refundable Tax Credit for a husband/wife and their dependent spouse (No other Credits, such as Medical, Donations, etc., ). I arrived at 22.138%. Total tax payable (Federal - $6861.00 + Provincial $4218.00 =$11069.00) divided by Total income of $50,000.00

	Further to this I quote Jim Stanford, Economist, Canadian Auto Workers
	`"the total tax rate paid by truly middle income Canadians rarely exceeds 25 percent."`

	Editor's note: I replied to Ken pointed out that I was in error, as I was only considering my own situation when last employed in a two income family when 35% was what we paid. But I also pointed out that when other forms of taxes were included it still is a very high percentage. Ken's reply is below:

	Still disagree with you somewhat, in respect to Two income families versus One income families. (Depends on your total individual income ). As I stated in my earlier message, a Two person family with One income of $50,000.00 would pay 22%. If you split that income (Two person family, with Two incomes of $25000.00 each = $50,000.00 Total ), they each would pay $4770.00 or $9540.00 total , which equates to 19%.

	I guess the Feds in their infinite wisdom feel that the savings will pay for purchase , operation and maintenance of a second car, work clothes for two, rather than one, perhaps a baby sitter, whatever.

	I agree with the context of your article in general. I believe that in order to continue to benefit from one of the best (at least it was ) Health Care Plans in the world , we may be forced to pay more taxes. Now if an equalization formula were used wherein large corporations and business's were assessed on a level with the salaried employee , the increase might not be required , or a least it would be more palatable.

	Almost forgot; you are absolutely correct in stating that when you factor in the other taxes we pay,( property, Provincial Sales, G.S.T. & fuel taxes, etc. ) the 35% you quote is probably conservative. It would likely be in the 45% - 50% range!

	Ken Styan

------------------Reference:
	Reference: Jim Stanford article in The Progressive Economics Forum.