I’ve listened to the Mother Jones video several times now – I just listened to it again – and I don’t hear a controversy. I don’t hear anything inflammatory. I don’t hear one word said in malice or with the intent to hurt anyone. And I certainly don’t hear anything not true.
Nearly Half of Americans Don’t Pay Federal Income Tax
In the Mother Jones video Romney makes the claim that 47% of Americans don’t pay a federal income tax. He’s right, or at least he was right when he made the claim. In 2011 that number was only 46%, but in 2010 the percentage of Americans not paying the tax was 47%. Just like Romney said.
According to the CBO, in aggregate, the poorest 60% of us don’t pay a federal income tax. Worse, the top quintile, the wealthiest 20%, pay more than 94% of federal incomes taxes according to the most recent numbers in 2009.
Ninety Four Percent!