The numbers don't add up to the macro numbers, though--- the governments at all levels added together pull in about 25-30% of U.S. GDP in taxes, not 40%.
One thing throwing off his numbers is that he assumes all income to be ordinary income, whereas a large proportion of Americans' income, especially at the high end, get classified as capital gains or qualified dividends, which are taxed at lower rates. I believe Warren Buffett calculated that his real tax rate was 18%, for example.
I make considerably less than Warren, and virtually none is capitol gains. After home mortgage deduction, charitable deductions, etc. My effective federal tax rate was like 7.2% (If I remember what TurboTax told me correctly). The previous year it was 6.9%. My marginal federal bracket rate is 28% ($82,400-171,850).
Warren really like to talk that crap up about how he pays less taxes than his secretary. To me his secretary just needs a better tax guy.
One thing throwing off his numbers is that he assumes all income to be ordinary income, whereas a large proportion of Americans' income, especially at the high end, get classified as capital gains or qualified dividends, which are taxed at lower rates. I believe Warren Buffett calculated that his real tax rate was 18%, for example.