Complaints Over Paying Taxes

Isn’t it odd that we are the most vociferous complainers about paying taxes--despite the facts that the U.S. has the lowest total taxation and one of the highest standards of living of any industrialized nation? Bring the subject of taxes up in a group, and it is not uncommon for one or more to soon reach a state of near apoplexy.

This attitude on our part is clearly not one of logic, but rather the result of long established cultural mores. We have a built-in reflex that doesn’t involve rational thinking.

Four years ago my wife and I spent nine weeks traveling in Australia and New Zealand. During our time there we had the pleasure of meeting and staying with many Aussie and Kiwi families.

Those two countries have rather high income taxes. They also have many other taxes including Social Security, Value Added Tax, and high duties and taxes on all imported goods.

Since then I have thought about this many times, and I have been struck by the fact that nowhere did we hear anyone seriously complain about their taxes.

This past summer we went to Denmark and visited friends that I have been corresponding with for several years. Both are school teachers.

This time I specifically asked my friend Erik how much of their pay was deducted for income tax, and he replied, “About 50%.” I then asked what percentage of their total income ultimately went to taxing agencies. He thought for a moment and then said, “About 85%.” Before I could respond to this extraordinary figure, his wife Anna interjected, “But we get a lot for our taxes here in Denmark.”

I spoke with other Danes too, and it was clear that they are quite happy with paying more and getting more under their system. They do not have our standard of living, but they are obviously living happy lives.

GEORGE SCHROEDTER

La Verne