The thing is, we all pay taxes on the same income more than once: when we earn it, when we spend it, and when we invest it.
🇫🇷 For example, France has one of the highest tax wedges on labor among OECD economies, standing at ~47.2% of total labor costs for a single worker earning an average wage with no children.
But some countries still manage to provide their citizens with a great standard of living despite relatively high taxes.
🇩🇰 Denmark has a progressive personal income tax system, with an overall marginal tax burden that can reach roughly the mid-50% range, depending on the taxpayer and circumstances.
Still, Denmark has been one of the world's happiest countries for years. In the 2026 World Happiness Report, Denmark ranks second, right behind Finland.
So how does Denmark manage to pull off this magic trick?
If you're interested, read our latest article on Medium 🤩
medium.com/@8lends/how-governments-cheat-you-on-taxes-and-why-official-data-doesnt-show-it-4749a6783fdd
