🔎 The World’s Big Tax Map: How Much Do You Pay?

Key Takeaways

• Western European countries on average have the highest headline income tax rates
• Important to note, the rate shown is marginal and only applicable on the highest portion of an individual's income
• Middle eastern countries—also oil producers—don’t charge an income tax
• Data for this map is sourced from PwC’s Worldwide Tax Summaries, updated between Aug 2024–Feb 2025.

⚖️ The Pros and Cons of Western Europe’s High Tax Rates

High taxes help fund extensive public services like healthcare, education, and social security.

It can also reduce income inequality by redistributing wealth, supporting lower-income citizens, and fostering social cohesion.

However, less disposable income leads to less consumer spending. And better-skilled workers with higher earnings may relocate, leading to brain drain from the region