If the tax rate increases with the higher level of income, it shall be...
Progressive Tax:
A progressive tax is a type of tax system in which the tax rate increases as the income level of an individual or entity increases. This means that individuals with higher incomes are required to pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes compared to those with lower incomes.
Explanation:
A progressive tax system is designed to promote fairness and equity in taxation. It is based on the principle of ability to pay, where those who earn more are expected to contribute more towards public services and government programs. This helps to redistribute wealth and reduce income inequality.
Benefits of Progressive Tax:
1. Fairness: Progressive taxes help to ensure that those who can afford to pay more do so, while those with lower incomes are burdened with a smaller tax liability.
2. Wealth Redistribution: By taxing higher income earners at a higher rate, progressive tax systems help to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor, narrowing the wealth gap in society.
3. Social Welfare: The additional tax revenue generated from higher income individuals can be used to fund social welfare programs, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, benefiting the entire society.
Example:
For example, let's consider a progressive tax system with three tax brackets:
- Income up to $50,000: Tax rate of 10%
- Income from $50,001 to $100,000: Tax rate of 20%
- Income above $100,000: Tax rate of 30%
In this scenario, an individual earning $60,000 would pay 10% on the first $50,000 ($5,000) and 20% on the remaining $10,000 ($2,000), resulting in a total tax liability of $7,000.
On the other hand, an individual earning $120,000 would pay 10% on the first $50,000 ($5,000), 20% on the next $50,000 ($10,000), and 30% on the remaining $20,000 ($6,000), resulting in a total tax liability of $21,000.
As the income level increases, the tax rate also increases, reflecting the progressive nature of the tax system.
Conclusion:
A progressive tax system is characterized by higher tax rates for higher income levels. It aims to achieve equity and fairness in taxation by ensuring that those with higher incomes contribute more towards the overall tax revenue, thereby promoting wealth redistribution and social welfare.