$3o,ooo minus $5450(standard deduction) and $3500(standard exemption) equals $21,500. The federal tax on that amount is about $ 2756.

Am I missing something???

As a denizen of the NYC area, where the cost of living is very high, my substantial salary would look like a lot to many people like you. But when I sum what I pay in federal income tax, state income tax, FICA, Medicare, state unemployment and disability, property taxes, and state sales tax, it’s approximately 45% of my annual salary. That becomes a staggering number when viewed in that context.

While that percentage alone is enough to fuel my anger, when I consider what happens to that money is when the top of my head explodes. Granted, some of it pays for services that are truly necessary, like national defense, but so much of it is wasted in a vain attempt to redistribute wealth. It makes my incentive to produce at a high level almost nil.

Because of this onerous tax burden I struggle to keep my family living in the style in which they are accustomed – firmly middle class, not wealthy. I, like you, am demoralized and depressed about the situation. But this blog, and our feedback, is more than just a voice in the wilderness. We must keep fighting the good fight, or evil will prevail.

Rock on Janus!