Comedian and television host Bill Maher raised concerns about the structure of the American tax system, pointing to the share of income paid by higher earners and questioning how government revenues are being used.

Speaking about his own experience during tax season, Maher said, “Someone has to explain the American economy to me.”

He added, “I know I've said this before. I still don't get it.”

Maher referenced the most recent filing period, stating, “Last week was Tax Day, and as usual, because HBO is so generous, and I'm sure so will be the new owners, I paid to the government.”

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He then detailed the combined tax burden he says he faces.

“If you add in state tax, local sales, property fees, Obamacare, probably almost 60% of what I earn,” Maher said.

He added, “That's a lot.”

Maher said he takes issue with statements made about tax contributions by higher-income individuals.

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“I still wouldn't mind if Bernie Sanders would stop saying the rich don't pay taxes,” he said.

He acknowledged that some individuals may minimize their tax burden through various means but said that does not apply broadly.

“And while I'm sure the super rich with their army of accountants and corporate loopholes get away with murder, us regular rich people pay a shit ton of taxes,” Maher said.

He also addressed how tax contributions are distributed across income groups. “The top 10% pay 72% of all federal income taxes,” Maher said.

He added, “And the bottom half, 3%.”

Maher pointed to the scope of federal and state programs, listing several examples.

“The democratic socialists talk about socialism like we don't already have a lot Social Security, unemployment, Medicare, nutritional assistance, Medicaid, Obamacare, disability, housing subsidies,” he said.

He clarified his position on those programs, stating, “Again, not against it.”

He then questioned the effectiveness of government spending relative to the amount collected in taxes.

“Just the same question, how can you be soaking the rich and failing the poor so badly?” Maher said.

He added, “How can it be that the federal government alone took in over 5 trillion in taxes last year, and we still need that.”

Maher also raised concerns about government efficiency.

“Are we really this incompetent and corrupt?” he said, before adding, “Don't answer that.”

He argued that increasing tax rates on higher earners may not lead to improved outcomes.

“Here's the truth. You're not going to get health care to these people by threatening to tax and eat the rich,” Maher said.

He continued, “You raise billionaires' taxes. They just leave the state, or they leave the country, or in some cases, the planet.”

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