Taxes; the complete picture.

[eskimo2]

Ironically, DREDIOCK’s Property Tax thread came up a day after I was pondering a question:
How much of John Doe’s income goes towards all taxes of all sorts?

Here’s stats on our fictitious John Doe:
Income: $60,000 per year.
He’s married with two kids.  Wife does not work; no other income.
He has two cars, each cost 25 K, get 25 MPG and he and his wife drive a total of 25,000 miles.  They have typical insurance, registration, etc.  Let’s say one car is older and paid for, the other they make payments on.
His house is appraised at $150,000.
He spends $1,500 on airfare a year for a family vacation.
They donate $1,500 to church/charities.
His groceries and other spending rates are typical as well
Utilities are typical for an American.
*************
How much of John Doe’s income goes towards all taxes of all sorts?
Don’t forget typical sales taxes on regular stuff.
No sales tax on food, right?
Big sales tax included in his gas, right?
Consider everything and add it up; how much is it?
**************
If someone has better stats for what a typical family’s income and spending may be, feel free to post.

[Dragon]

Some factors need to be considered, like property tax rate and such, but still giving away 13,500 or more per year.

[slipknot]

If the typical wife in an American family doesn't earn some sort of living, I'd say that much of our economic trouble can be explained without having to delve too deep into the cluster frig that is our income tax system.

[Hangtime]

If the typical wife in an American family doesn't earn some sort of living, I'd say that much of our economic trouble can be explained without having to delve too deep into the cluster frig that is our income tax system.

A key linchpin in the collapse of the american family unit is the forcing of the wife out of the home and into an office. Lets let this hypothetical run as eskimo has it laid out... lets see if it's even possible for the wife to stay home.

Eskimo, at that salary level and with that home value I'd have to assume rural living; rural usually means a pretty low property tax when compared to suburban...

[slipknot]

A key linchpin in the collapse of the american family unit is the forcing of the wife out of the home and into an office. Lets let this hypothetical run as eskimo has it laid out... lets see if it's even possible for the wife to stay home.

Eskimo, at that salary level and with that home value I'd have to assume rural living; rural usually means a pretty low property tax when compared to suburban...

I don't agree with you on your initial point hangtime. I'll start a thread on it, though.

[Gaidin]

If the typical wife in an American family doesn't earn some sort of living, I'd say that much of our economic trouble can be explained without having to delve too deep into the cluster frig that is our income tax system.

My wife doesn't work.  I make half per year what the fictional guys makes.  I rent, not own.  I have 2 kids.  I make it ok. Never go without food, and always have a dry place to sleep. If my wife worked, we would be worse off due to the cost of child care.  I have 2 cars, 1 old and paid for, 1 still old but being paid for.

OH and to keep this on track, personally, I paid approx 20% of my income into taxes last year.

[eskimo2]

A key linchpin in the collapse of the american family unit is the forcing of the wife out of the home and into an office. Lets let this hypothetical run as eskimo has it laid out... lets see if it's even possible for the wife to stay home.

Eskimo, at that salary level and with that home value I'd have to assume rural living; rural usually means a pretty low property tax when compared to suburban...

I just picked even numbers that sounded typical...  Most families have the mother working as well.

My wife doesn't work, we have three kids, a house that is probably worth around 150k, but our payments are about half of what they should be... I think.  We cut corners everywhere we can.  My in-laws live with us and help out with groceries and transportation.  60K would almost double my salary though.  If we can get by without mom working I don't know why most others can't.  It all comes down to not buying so much.

[Hangtime]

Here on Long Island, average home cost has always been above the national median. Right now; average home cost is 220,000; median family income @ $95,000. Property taxes average $7,000 annually, electric bill $270.00 a month. It costs a lot to live here....

When we bought our 3 bedroom 1 bath home 25 years ago the $ was 140,000. Mortgage was $800.00. Utilites $190.00, taxes $3700. Same home now is DOUBLE.

Had a good job, so did the wife. We barely 'hung on'. Sold the house 8 years ago. Couldn't do the above now.

[Nilsen]

Over here both the men and wimmin work. I would guesstimate that average income tax is at around 40-45% before any tax brakes for debts and whatnot. You then pay about 12-24% tax on everything you spend the remaining money on (VAT). You also have a few other minor taxes but all in all its not much.

[eskimo2]

Over here both the men and wimmin work. I would guesstimate that average income tax is at around 40-45% before any tax brakes for debts and whatnot. You then pay about 12-24% tax on everything you spend the remaining money on (VAT). You also have a few other minor taxes but all in all its not much.

Holy Cow!

I guess the Vikings didn't really fade away, they just became government officials! 


Actually, I've read that Norway has a standard of living that is second to none.  I'm sure it's worth it in the long run.

[Nilsen]

Yup if you look at the tax % it looks very high but it all goes back into your life somehow in the form of public services in one form or another. Its not like the money goes away. Politicians and other officials have low wages too so its not like im filling some fat officials wallet. I dont agree on all the taxes we have but I really have no reason to complain too much. The money tends to be spread more evenly over the population this way and that has its advantages in terms of crimerates and health issues due to poverty. If a nation has big problems with those two then the difference between rich and poor tends to grow and with that the problems do too. There are problems for sure, and there will always be problems even if some politicians try to argue that they have a better system.


Running such a large country with a population of only 4,5 million spread all over the place is expencive too. You have the same rights and public services werever you choose to settle without the benefits of economy of scale that many other densley populated countries have. Havent kept tabs on standard of living but i think its on top or somewere up there. Im sure someone could find the numbers.

[REP0MAN]

If the typical wife in an American family doesn't earn some sort of living, I'd say that much of our economic trouble can be explained without having to delve too deep into the cluster frig that is our income tax system.

I take that as a direct insult. I work two jobs so my wife can stay home and be a mother and wife. You have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[slipknot]

I take that as a direct insult. I work two jobs so my wife can stay home and be a mother and wife. You have no idea what you are talking about.

Which leads me to another problem our nation suffers. Lack of focus placed on a quality secondary education.

Perhaps if you had taken more time preparing yourself for the trials of adult life, you would not only have a fruitful career that paid as much as your 2 jobs, but you'd also know how to derive more out of a calm discussion than a reason to get sweaty in your shorts.

[Vipermann]

I use Quicken to record everything with regard to salary, taxes, deductions, etc. According to Quicken my actual tax rate is 8.5%.

[Hangtime]

Which leads me to another problem our nation suffers. Lack of focus placed on a quality secondary education.

Perhaps if you had taken more time preparing yourself for the trials of adult life, you would not only have a fruitful career that paid as much as your 2 jobs, but you'd also know how to derive more out of a calm discussion than a reason to get sweaty in your shorts.

Slip, I guess you missed the point. Repro was using wit... sarcasm; to hammer home your point.

*sigh*