In our class warfare world no one’s going to shed a tear for a wealthy white golfer like three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson.
But government isn’t going to deny him his right to live where he wants, either … (at least not yet).
A resident of Rancho Santa Fe, California, Mickelson says major increases in state and federal income taxes have prompted him to consider some “drastic changes” in his geographic location. He may even retire early.
Wherever he resides in the United States, Mickelson’s federal income tax rate is going up from 36 to 39.6 percent in 2013. But staying in California means his state income tax will also increase, from 10.3 to 13.3 percent (part of a new “millionaire’s tax” imposed by Golden State leaders).
“If you add up all the federal and you look at the disability and the unemployment and the Social Security and the state, my tax rate’s 62, 63 percent,” the 42-year-old San Diego native said last weekend. “So I’ve got to make some decisions on what I’m going to do.”
Indeed …
In addition to demonizing wealth creation, government at all levels is aggressively targeting wealth. And while it’s easy to deride Mickelson’s dilemma as “rich people problems,” it’s also important to remember $400,000 isn’t what it used to be.
Props to Mickelson for speaking candidly about what he makes – and how government’s effort to take more of his money is influencing his behavior.
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7 comments
The income tax in California has always been absurd. He has nobody to blame but himself.
It’s kind of like going to a strip joint to complain about nudity.
Mickelson is like the guy in the office that won’t chip into the office lottery pool because after taxes and splitting it up and someone else also guessing the numbers, you’re left with only a few million dollars. Jerk.
He made $67 million LAST YEAR! Even if he was paying 60% in taxes, he is still going home with close to $30 million…for the year. For playing a game.
Cue the violins.
welcome to the greatest land in the world where folks can make millions playing “a game” now stop giving Dr.Paul and HJ and go make your own 30 million
Even if what you said is true and he made $30 million after taxes he would have paid $35 million. Why should he pay that much more than you will when in your whole life you wont pay that much in taxes? Do you feel you are entitled to things? Quit being one of those guys who wants others to pay more when you dont pay your equal share.
Go beat the European Socialists and win us a Ryder Cup, and then complain, you fat ass choke-o-potomus.
Either he has a Clemson accountant or he is lieing.
Why did Romney only pay 14%. seems like he needs to use some loopholes!