Where does the tax money come from, and where does it go?

Many of us think we pay a lot of income tax.  How does your bill compare to others?  Look at www.taxpolicycenter.org for details. 

According to the Tax Policy Center (as reported by the Austin American Statesman), more than half of the nation’s tax revenue comes from the top 10% of earners.  Most of that comes from the top 5%.

In recent years, deductions and tax credits have reduced the income tax of many individuals to zero.   45% of U S households pay no federal income tax.  Many households which have paid no tax actually get a refund, the result of refundable credits for having children, having low earned income, and paying college expenses. 

Where does tax money go?  A couple of clicks of your mouse will show you where your income tax payments fit into the national budget.  Enter your 2010 income tax number into http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/taxes/tax-receipt to find the amount of your tax that pays for interest on the national debt, health care, defense, job training, relief for needy families, conservation, financial aid for education, and all the other categories.