dollars overseas to escape corporate taxes. This represents a $600 billion dollars loss

in tax revenue for the United States. But while tax rates are high in the US, around

the world they are even higher. So which countries tax the most?

Well, taxes date as far back as Ancient Egypt, with tax collectors forcing farmers to part

with about 10% of their yield. Generally, taxation is used to encourage economic growth

and increase the government’s budget for public services. Most taxes are on individual

income, company income, the things you buy, and things that are imported. Personal income

taxes are by far the largest source of tax revenue for most countries. In the United

States, over 46% of the government’s total revenue is funded by individual citizens.

Corporate taxes contribute much less. In the US, they account for just 10% of government

revenue. This is partially because many companies move their headquarters to countries with

low tax burdens. 72% of Fortune 500 companies reportedly use these international tax havens

instead of accounting for their income back home. Taxes on goods and services, property,

and imported items make up another smaller percentage of government revenue.

For personal income tax specifically, European countries with large, socialist-leaning governments

have some of the highest rates in the world. According to the Organization for Economic

Cooperation and Development, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark make up the most taxed countries.

Each sees about a 40% tax rate for single, childless citizens. In these countries, the

public accepts the high taxes because there are many visible social programs offered back

to the community.

They commonly have some of the lowest poverty rates and highest human development scores.

Denmark has even been ranked the “happiest” country on earth. In the United States, by

comparison, there are far fewer government welfare options and the income tax averages

about 25%. The total US tax burden is one of the lowest in the developed world.

On the other hand, the United States leads the developed world in CORPORATE income tax

rates at 39.1%. These tend to be much higher in nations with strong market-based economies

which can withstand a high tax burden. In developing nations with huge oil exports and

expanding economies, taxes can be even higher. The United Arab Emirates taxes businesses

at a rate of 55%. However these taxation rates are subject to drastic fluctuations from year

to year, as the economy is generally unstable.

Ultimately, the rates of taxation are dependent on national priorities. Although many people

and companies object to giving up their hard earned money, the government provides countless

benefits to its citizens in social welfare and national defense.

If you're curious to learn more about money, wealth, or economies around the world, we've

got the playlist for you. Watch here to learn more.

While the average worker salary is about $50,000, many CEOs make tens of millions of dollars.

According to researchers in 1970, the CEO Pay Ratio of CEOs to average workers was only about 20 to 1.

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