Tax Burden Increases For Middle Class

[jeffrey]

President Bush's tax cuts since 2001 have shifted more of the tax burden from the nation's rich to middle-class families, according to a study released Friday by the Congressional Budget Office. The tax rate declined across all income levels - but more so in the top brackets, the report said.

People in the top 20% of incomes, averaging $182,700 a year, saw their share of federal taxes decline from 65.3% of total payments in 2001 to 63.5% this year, according to the study by congressional budget analysts.

In contrast, middle-class taxpayers - with incomes ranging from $51,500 to $75,600 - bear a greater tax burden. Those making an average of $75,600 had the biggest jump in their share of taxes, from 18.5% of all payments in 2001 to 19.5% this year.

The study, requested by congressional Democrats in May, is expected to provide fodder for the presidential campaign over the fairness of more than $1 trillion in tax cuts Bush has pushed through Congress since taking office... [read more at usatoday.com]