I don't get rich people in so-called "high tax" states who complain about taxes.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

Their definition of a "high tax" state being basically any state with a state income tax.

I know some of these people personally. They live in a "high tax" state. They've got a large house, luxury cars, a vacation home, they take fancy trips, fly first class, etc. They've got way more than I do, and I live in a so-called "low tax" state without a state income tax.

And yet they'll complain bitterly about paying taxes as if they're somehow being taxed into poverty.

They're rich before taxes. They're rich after taxes. I seriously don't get it at all.

Do they just like having something to complain about?

[kenfrequed]

1. So much agreement

I am disgusted by the wealthy that do not want to pay their damned share in a state and country where they benefit from the very infrastructure that assures and defends their wealth.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

2. Pure greed. nt

[GummyBearz]

3. My wifes grandfather fits one of those people who complain about state taxes

He's rich enough that he keeps a primary residence in a low tax state yet still complains about it... From my observation there are people who consider the accumulation of money to be the end all, be all, goal of their life. I don't get it myself.

For a wedding present, her grandfather gave us a check that was smaller than what my ~30 year old middle class friends gave us... my wife was shocked when we were writing thank-yous and had all the gifts listed out. But that's the way her grandfather thinks. He needs that extra $100 in his bank account to look at

[Kalidurga]

4. They just want you to know they think that their fellow citizens are takers...

and that they are the generous givers.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

5. Of course. They're self-made success stories.

[MindPilot]

6. CA is one of the highest...businesses and rich people alike are leaving in droves.

Except they aren't. Dozens and dozens of huge corporations make their base in California. Energy, tech, defense and entertainment, just a few of the industries that thrive here in the most regulatorily oppressive, excessively taxing, commerce-crushing environment in the known universe.

Mick Jagger recently said he would likely move to San Diego, obviously part of an elaborate tax-evasion scheme.

Yeah, i don't get it either.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

7. People overrate local tax rates as a reason for people to live or work in an area.

Quality of life is a much stronger factor in my opinion.

[n2doc]

8. Doesn't matter what the tax rate is

They complain. Better to ignore or mock them.

[taught_me_patience]

9. You'd probably complain if you were paying a 50% marginal income tax rate

Not many people enjoy paying taxes. Look at the outrage here on DU, when it's suggested we raise the gas tax a couple of cents to help pay for infrastructure.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

10. Even if they paid that, they'd still be very well off.

Of course, most--if not all--of them have accountants who will find and exploit every possible loophole so the actual amount paid isn't anywhere close to that rate.

And yet, they'll still complain.