Marginal Tax Rate
The marginal tax rate refers to the tax imposed on the last dollar of income earned by an individual or business. Marginal tax rates are progressive, meaning that as one earns more, a higher percentage is paid in taxes. For example, in the US, the first $10,000 of taxable income is taxed at 10%, while all income above that is taxed at higher, progressive rates.
The marginal tax rate is important because it affects an individual’s or business’s decisions on how much to earn. If an individual or business is subject to a high marginal tax rate, it may decide to take in less income so as to pay fewer taxes. On the other hand, a lower marginal tax rate may motivate an individual or business to increase their income and thus pay more taxes.
Marginal tax rates are used by governments to raise revenue, promote fairness, and incentivize certain behaviors (such as investing or saving). For instance, the US federal tax system currently has seven tax brackets that range from 10% to 37%, based on the taxpayer’s income. This progressive tax system is designed to ensure that individuals and businesses with higher incomes pay higher taxes. Likewise, the US federal tax system offers tax deductions and credits for certain activities and expenditures, such as for saving for retirement or for buying a home.
In addition to progressive income taxes, governments may also impose other progressive tax schemes. For example, some states in the US impose a graduated sales tax in which the rate increases as the value of the purchased items increase. Similarly, many states also have graduated property taxes with the rates increasing as the value of the property increases.
In the corporate world, marginal tax rates vary depending on the jurisdiction. Companies in the US pay taxes according to the federal corporate income tax rate, which is currently set at 21%. Companies in other jurisdictions may be subject to different rates. Similarly, the rate of corporate tax may vary depending on the type of business, its size, and the location.
Marginal tax rates can have a significant impact on how individuals and businesses make decisions regarding their income, investments, and expenditures. Therefore, it’s important to understand how the rate works and to factor it into decisions that could impact one’s tax bill. It’s also important to note that marginal tax rates often change over time, depending on the government’s budget and tax policies. Thus, it’s important to keep up to date with any changes to ensure that one is not subject to a higher tax rate than necessary.