Imagine the country is made up of 100 households. The federal government needs to collect $800,000 in income taxes to be able to function. The population consists of 6
groups:
• Group A: 20 households that earn $12,000 each
Group B: 20 households that earn $29.000 each
• Group C: 20 households that earn $50,000 each
Group D: 20 households that earn $79.000 each
• Group E: 15 households that earn $129.000 each
Group F: 5 households that earn $295,000 each
This scenario is roughly proportional to the actual United States population and tax
needs. We'll consider a modified flat-tax plan, where everyone only pays taxes on
any income over $20,000. So, Everyone in group A will pay no taxes. Everyone in
group B will pay taxes only on $9.000. Determine what flat tax rate (would be
necessary to collect enough money in this modified system. Round your answer to
the nearest tenth of a percent.