We make $150k/year, yet our Effective Federal Tax Rate is 6.34%. How is this possible?

FICA is after HSA, but before 401k. This is why the HSA is considered the best saving vehicle. It is the biggest 'loophole' available for those with enough of a cash cushion to have a high-deductible plan.

And just as a FYI - our burden is 13% without FICA and we make double you. Taxes are marginal, have the ability to be deferred, and are riddled with loopholes (mortgage deduction is big for us). Also, our FICA (as a percent) is less than yours, as Social Security contributions cut off at 133K. So we save ~5% compared to you on that.

The US has a 'u-shaped' federal system. The lowest pay very little, the upper-middle/borderline rich class funds the country, the investor/rentier rich avoid most taxes. (I.e. buffet pays less as a percent than more doctors)

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