Editorials and Opinion Pieces

When you and your friends get together for a college basketball game party this month during NCAA's March Madness, paying taxes will probably be the last thing on your mind. But that is what you will be doing every step of the way.

First, when you get into your car to drive over to the party you probably don't realize that 45 percent of what you paid for the car actually went to the government in taxes at the federal, state and local levels, rather than to the car manufacturer.

When you put gas in the car, you probably don't realize that 54 percent of what you pay for it goes to federal, state and local taxes rather than to the oil producer. For the tires on the car, 36 percent of what you paid went to taxes rather than to the tire manufacturer. Once you get to the party, you, or your host at least, still aren't done paying taxes. If you have a margarita with your nachos, 72 percent of the price paid for the tequila actually went to the government in taxes rather than to the producer. The same goes for any other drink made with distilled spirits. If you have a beer instead, 43 percent of what you pay for beer goes to taxes. And even if you just drink a soda, 35 percent of what you pay for a can goes for taxes at all levels.

Once you start to eat, the tax man is still there with you. If you have a sandwich, about 31 percent of what you pay for bread goes to the government in taxes, rather than for the bread. If you have some pizza, about 38 percent of its price goes to taxes. About the same would be true for nachos, potato chips or any other food item.

Don't think you are done paying taxes after you eat. If you light up a cigarette, about 75 percent of what you paid for it went to taxes. And of course, if you have another drink, 72 percent of what you paid for liquor and 43 percent of what you paid for beer was actually taxes. Moreover, just to keep the TV on, you are still paying taxes. That is because at least 26 percent of your electric bill goes to the government in taxes.

Don't think you can avoid this by going out to a bar or to restaurant to watch the NCAA basketball tournament. About 28 percent of what you pay for a meal at a restaurant or bar actually goes for taxes, rather than to the restaurant. Nor can you avoid the tax man by staying home and just calling your pals to talk about the game. About 50 percent of your phone bill actually goes to taxes, rather than to the phone company.

This tax burden arises in part from taxes assessed directly on the consumer, such as state and local sales taxes, liquor excise taxes, telephone excise taxes, federal and state gas taxes, food and beverage taxes, and others.

But that is just the beginning. The producer in each case must use what you pay for the product for a heavy tax burden as well, including federal, state and local income taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes, use taxes, sales taxes, unemployment insurance taxes, workmen's compensation taxes, corporate franchise taxes, import fees, and others. In fact, 30 different taxes are imposed on the production and sale of a loaf of bread. The government imposes at least 43 taxes on the production and sale of a gallon of gas.

This is just another part of the excessive burden of taxes working people must bear. Overall, about 40 percent of what working people earn ends up going to taxes rather than for their own families. The average family pays more for taxes today than for food, clothing, and shelter combined.

Maybe in addition to rooting for your favorite basketball team, it is time to start rooting for major tax relief as well.