Progressive tax is a style of taxation in which people with higher incomes pay higher fees. It is largely used as a way to distribute wealth, as it takes a larger portion of income from those who have it, and then puts it into services, such as health and education, which benefit all.
The progressivity of the tax system is determined by the marginal tax rate. This is the rate paid on the next dollar earned, or the last dollar earned, after all other deductions, exemptions, and credits have been taken into account. The marginal rate is the highest tax rate that has to be paid on all income above a certain threshold. This is the rate that is affected when tax brackets or rates change.
In the United States, progressive taxation is used for income tax. In the federal system, there are seven brackets that range from 10% to 37%. For example, if a family earns $50,000, then it will pay 10% of the first $9,700 of income, 12% of the income from $9,701 to $39,475, and so on. If a family earns $100,000, then it will pay 10% of the first $9,700 of income, 12% of the income from $9,701 to $39,475, 22% of the income from $39,476 to $84,200, and so on. Each additional dollar of income is taxed at a higher rate. This is how the top percentiles of earners pay more than the rest of the population.
In some cases, businesses pay progressive taxes, as well. This is typically used in a corporate tax system, where the higher the profits, the higher the rate.
In other countries, progressive taxes may take different forms. For example, in Denmark, the top tax rate is 45.6%. This rate applies only to earnings above 1.7 million Danish Krone (DKK). And in Sweden, the top rate is 57.1%, but this also applies only to incomes of more than 1.8 million Swedish Krone.
The efficiency of progressive taxes has been debated for some time. Opponents argue that high taxes discourage people from earning more, as the additional income will be taxed at a higher rate. Supporters, however, argue that those who can afford to pay more should do so in order to help support the lower and middle classes who have less resources available to pay for basics like health care, education, etc.
No matter where it is used, progressive taxation remains a way for governments to collect more taxes from those who can most afford it. It is also a tool that is used to reduce inequality and distribute wealth.