[Government’s] great contribution to human wisdom…is the discovery that the taxpayer has more than one pocket.
– H. L. Menchen
Politicians tax you at almost every turn, even if you live in a lower-tax state.
Here’s a partial list of the taxes you pay to federal, state, and local governments in the United States:
- Income tax on wages (federal, state, and/or local)
- Income tax on dividends and interest (federal and/or state)
- Income tax on capital gains (federal and/or state)
- Real estate (property) tax
- Personal property tax on items such as computers and boats
- Social Security tax (FICA)
- Sales tax
- Gross receipts taxes
- Business income taxes
- Business and sales permits
- Workers compensation tax
- Unemployment tax
- Contractor taxes
- Occupation, business, NEC, public utility, and corporate licensure fees
- Tariffs
- Death (estate) tax
- Gift tax
- Meals tax
- Soft drinks tax
- Margarine tax
- Documentary and stock transfer taxes
- School bus and other K-12 school fees
- State college and university fees
- Turnpike, bridge and tunnel tolls, and tollbooth transponders
- Airport and airway taxes
- Gasoline and fuel taxes
- Insurance premium tax
- Alcohol and marijuana taxes
- Liquor license fees
- Amusement taxes
- Cigarette tax
- Livestock tax
- Pari-mutuels (gambling tax)
- State lottery gambling profits (another tax on gambling)
- Water and sewer assessments
- Motor vehicle registration and license fees
- Motor vehicle tax
- Auto excise tax
- Aircraft and boat registration fees
- Fishing, hunting, and gun license fees
- Cable TV tax
- Internet and phone taxes
- Utility taxes
- Room occupancy (hotel) taxes
- Short-term rental (e.g., AirBnB) tax
- Street vendor and food truck fees
- Taxi medallions, ride services tax, and other vehicle operator taxes
- Rental car tax
- Ferry, bus, and train taxes
- Building, equipment, and land use permits
- Health permits
- Dump permits
- Marriage, birth, and death certificates
- Adoption fees
- Fees for copies of government documentation
- Penalties and interest on late payment of taxes
There are thousands of taxes on the books in America.