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Tax Debate Worksheet
Career Name:__Emergency Room Nurse _ Yearly Income: __$65,000___
Flat Tax
Some Americans are supporting switching to a flat income tax rate of 15%. How much would you pay under this plan?
(65,000) X 15% (or .15) = _9,750______________
Calculator Tip: To multiply by a percentage, you can use your calculator in two ways. You can use the percent symbol key or you can enter the percentage as a decimal. To change a percentage to a decimal, move the decimal point two digit places to the left. Example: 20% becomes 0.20
Regressive Tax Plan
Mark “X” next to the row that matches your yearly income.
Proposed Regressive Plan
Calculate your tax. For example, $10,000x40%=$4,000 in tax. 40% on income up to $25,000
30% on income between $25,000 and $34,000
25% on income between $34,000 and $44,000
20% on income between $44,000 and $80,000
10% on taxable income over $80,000 TOTAL $52,000 $13,000
Progressive Tax Plan
Mark “X” next to the row that matches your yearly income.
Proposed Regressive Plan
Calculate your tax. For example, $10,000x10%=$1,000 in tax. 10% on income up to $25,000
20% on income between $25,000 and $34,000
25% on income between $34,000 and $44,000
30% on income between $44,000 and $80,000
40% on taxable income over $80,000 TOTAL $45,500 $19,500
Reflection
Reflection Questions
Your Responses
Is federal income tax a direct or indirect tax? Explain your response.
It is a direct tax because it is paid straight to the government. What are the main differences between the flat, regressive, and progressive tax plans?
A flat tax is a consistent tax for everyone’s specific income, A regressive tax is a tax percentage everyone pays regardless of
Income, and progressive tax is a tax that increases as income increases. Under which plan would you pay the most in taxes? Under which plan would you pay the
Career Name:__Emergency Room Nurse _ Yearly Income: __$65,000___
Flat Tax
Some Americans are supporting switching to a flat income tax rate of 15%. How much would you pay under this plan?
(65,000) X 15% (or .15) = _9,750______________
Calculator Tip: To multiply by a percentage, you can use your calculator in two ways. You can use the percent symbol key or you can enter the percentage as a decimal. To change a percentage to a decimal, move the decimal point two digit places to the left. Example: 20% becomes 0.20
Regressive Tax Plan
Mark “X” next to the row that matches your yearly income.
Proposed Regressive Plan
Calculate your tax. For example, $10,000x40%=$4,000 in tax. 40% on income up to $25,000
30% on income between $25,000 and $34,000
25% on income between $34,000 and $44,000
20% on income between $44,000 and $80,000
10% on taxable income over $80,000 TOTAL $52,000 $13,000
Progressive Tax Plan
Mark “X” next to the row that matches your yearly income.
Proposed Regressive Plan
Calculate your tax. For example, $10,000x10%=$1,000 in tax. 10% on income up to $25,000
20% on income between $25,000 and $34,000
25% on income between $34,000 and $44,000
30% on income between $44,000 and $80,000
40% on taxable income over $80,000 TOTAL $45,500 $19,500
Reflection
Reflection Questions
Your Responses
Is federal income tax a direct or indirect tax? Explain your response.
It is a direct tax because it is paid straight to the government. What are the main differences between the flat, regressive, and progressive tax plans?
A flat tax is a consistent tax for everyone’s specific income, A regressive tax is a tax percentage everyone pays regardless of
Income, and progressive tax is a tax that increases as income increases. Under which plan would you pay the most in taxes? Under which plan would you pay the