Mach overspeed,
It's the same in the UK, although we're not allowed to deduct mortgage payments anymore
On top of the figures given above we also have to pay the following 'stealth taxes':
4% of any insurance premium
1% - 4% of the cost of a house on purchase
1% of the value of a house per year
~US$250 pa car registration fee
~US$150 pa to own a TV (pays for the BBC)
alcohol and tobacco have big duties
fuel has a huge tax on it (80% of the retail cost is tax)
Overall the government takes about 38% of every dollar earned here in tax, compared to less than 30% in the US. The UK is much lower than in Europe, though, where often 45% - 55% of every dollar earned goes to the government!!! Ouch!!!
[This message has been edited by foghorn (edited 24 March 2001).]