Few topics stir as much debate as income taxes. “The rich don’t pay their fair share” is a claim repeated so often that it’s become a cliché. But what counts as “fair”? Some say fairness means everyone pays the same amount, others argue the same percentage, and still others believe higher earners should pay much more.
As Milton Friedman put it, “There is no objective standard of ‘fairness.’ ‘Fairness’ is strictly in the eye of the beholder.”
What we can say for certain is that tax policy should encourage work, saving, and investment — not punish it. High taxes can deter the very risk-taking and productivity that create prosperity. So rather than debating moral philosophy, let’s look at the data.
The federal income tax code is already highly progressive: The more you earn, the higher the percentage you pay. High-income households not only pay more in raw dollars, they shoulder a much larger share of the overall burden.
Here are the facts:
- According to the IRS, the top 1% of earners pay more than one-quarter of all federal income taxes.
- The top 10% pay more than 70% of the total.
- The top half of taxpayers pay about 97% of all federal income taxes.
- The bottom half, by contrast, collectively pay about 3%.
Whether you think the wealthy pay “enough” ultimately depends on your definition of fairness.
But the data are clear: As we talk about in this week’s commentary, higher earners already pay both the most dollars and the highest share of their income.
Understanding these facts helps everyone engage in a more informed conversation about taxes and economic policy.
Have a great weekend,
– Kyle Wingfield
Friday’s Freshest 🗞️
Since schools closed their doors in March 2020, the United States has seen a dramatic rise in students who are chronically absent. What began as an emergency measure to “flatten the curve” has left lasting marks on school culture, student habits and academic performance.
The Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Education Freedom Report Card evaluates all 50 states. Georgia ranked 14th overall, slipping five spots from 2024, as other states expanded universal choice programs.
Georgians are facing a hard truth about housing: when government ties up supply, prices soar. Homeownership slips further out of reach, rents climb and workers are pushed farther from their jobs. The question, then, is what to do about it. It starts with cutting red tape.
A local nonprofit challenging the City of Calhoun’s ban on homes smaller than 1,150 square feet won an initial legal victory. Tiny House Hand Up sought to use donated land to build modest, affordable cottages, but the city’s restrictions initially blocked their plans.
In this year’s legislative session, Georgia had an opportunity to address its ever-growing regulatory code and reduce regulatory burdens placed on its citizens and businesses. Although the “Red Tape Rollback Act” passed the Senate, it ultimately failed to become law in Georgia. Regulatory reform will have another chance next session.
Peach Picks 🍑
Gov. Brian Kemp announced that the state has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business by Area Development magazine for the 12th year in a row, marking an unmatched record of success and consistency in economic development.
The August workforce report for Georgia shows a gain of 1,900 jobs, with the unemployment rate unchanged from July. Nearly five million people are employed in the state.
The race is on to see which state becomes the 10th with zero income tax. Georgia would be a logical candidate since it is an income tax sandwich bordered by Tennessee and Florida. And the state legislature is taking a serious look.
Many Buckhead parents are pushing back against the proposed reconfiguration and consolidation for Atlanta Public Schools, citing lack of transparency on cost savings, disruptions to high-performing schools and a compressed timeline ahead of the board vote. Reason Foundation recently detailed how school districts can save money through consolidation.
Georgia’s two public flagships for higher education placed in the top 100 again along with Emory University in the annual U.S. News rankings for 2026.
Off The Vine 🎯
Starbucks plans to close underperforming stores in the U.S., cut 900 non-retail partner roles and freeze many open positions as part of its ongoing turnaround strategy.
Quotes Of Note 🌟
“Starbucks is not an advertiser; people think we are a great marketing company, but in fact we spend very little money on marketing. The most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart.” – Howard Schultz, Starbucks founder
“When you reduce the incentives to produce, you get less production. The higher the tax rates, the lower the incentives.” – Milton Friedman
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi