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The federal estate tax is computed on the sum of taxable estate and taxable gifts, and is reduced by prior gift taxes paid. These taxes are computed as the taxable amount times a graduated tax rate (up to 35% in 2011). The estate and gift taxes are also reduced by a major "unified credit" equivalent to an exclusion ($5 million in 2011).
Developed countries raise more taxes and therefore are able to provide better services. At the same time, the high taxation forces them to become accountable with their citizens, which strengthens the democracy. [1] Tax revenue from individual income tax is a greater percentage of tax revenues in developed countries than in developing countries.
Poll taxes are a fixed tax on individuals, regardless of income; voters must pay the tax before they are permitted to cast a ballot. These taxes were occasionally paired with literacy tests to prove qualification to vote. [3] Revenue from poll taxes acted as a major source of funding for state governments.
It is primarily funded through a dedicated payroll tax. During 2009, total benefits of $686 billion were paid out versus income (taxes and interest) of $807 billion, a $121 billion annual surplus. An estimated 156 million people paid into the program and 53 million received benefits, roughly 2.94 workers per beneficiary. [34]
Taxes are indexed to wages and profits and therefore areas of high taxation are correlated with areas of higher per capita income and more economic activity. Spending is largely focused on areas of poverty, the elderly, and centers of federal employment such as military bases.
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
The introduction of the tax had significant impact on tax revenues for the US government. Income taxes collected in 1939 equalled, on average around 1% of personal income. Following the introduction of the act, the figure rose to above 11%, with the new law expected to raise $7.6 billion.
Progressive activists, including the temperance movement, successfully lobbied for the 16th Amendment establishing a federal income tax to reduce the government's dependence on alcohol taxes for revenue. [19] By about 1916, the loans taken out during the Civil War were all paid off, and the excise taxes were again set very low.