Graduated income taxation is a system of taxation in which someones marginal rate of taxation increases as their income increases. It is most often used as a progressive tax system, where rates are graduated so that citizens with higher incomes are subject to higher taxation. Graduated income taxation is used by many countries around the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, the graduated income tax is a cornerstone of the federal income tax system. Every year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes income tax rates that are tailored to each taxpayers income level. For example, in 2021, for individuals earning up to $9,950 in taxable income, the tax rate is 10%; for those making $39,525 to $434,550, the marginal rate is 24%.
The graduated income tax system is based on the idea of fairness and ability to pay, in which those who are able to pay more are required to do so. By taxing individuals according to their income level, the tax system can bring in more revenue for the government, helping to fund public services and infrastructure. Proponents of graduated income taxes also believe it helps reduce income inequality by ensuring that wealthier individuals pay more in taxes, helping to redistribute wealth to lower-income households.
In most countries with a graduated income tax system, taxpayers are also provided with tax deductions, exemptions, and credits. Tax deductions lower the amount of taxable income, while exemptions and credits lower the amount of tax owed. Both deductions and exemptions can be tailored to specific individuals or types of families, providing targeted tax relief. For example, in the United States, taxpayers can claim credits for child care expenses and medical expenses, which can lower their tax burden.
There are some drawbacks to graduated income taxation. For example, those with higher incomes tend to have more resources to pay for the services of tax advisors or other professionals who can help them reduce their taxes. This can create an unfair advantage, as wealthier people can easily take advantage of complex tax laws and deductions to reduce their tax burden significantly. Graduated income taxes can also create a disincentive to work, as an individual may face higher taxes if they earn more.
Finally, graduated income taxes can be politically polarizing. While many believe that higher-income individuals should pay a larger share of the tax burden, others argue that it places an unfair burden on high earners. Regardless, graduated income taxes are used by many countries around the world, and it remains a popular system for redistributing wealth and funding public services.
In conclusion, graduated income taxation is a popular system for raising taxes from those who are able to pay more. While it can potentially be beneficial for reducing income inequality and bringing in more revenue for the government, it can also be prone to abuse and can create a disincentive for work. Politically, it can be divisive, but it remains a popular way for many countries to collect taxes from their citizens.