Discuss the chart in Figure 2.4a. Why does it only show taxpayer income levels from the top 1% to the top 25%? What does it tell us about the relative tax burden on each group shown? Do you think its claim that the “rich pay more” is an honest depiction or a distortion of the facts? Defend your opinion.

Figure 2.4a

Rich Pay More Under Tax Cuts Share of Total Income Taxes Paid to Federal Government | Treasury estimate without tax cuts 82% 85% Actual tax payments with tax cuts 68% 63% 57% 50% 37% 31% Top 1% Top 5% Top 10% 25% Taxpayer Income Level (a)