[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.