I see this become apparent on social media every so often and it's really just depressing how widespread the misunderstanding is.
51% of Americans who were polled in a 2021 survey agreed with the statement that "You pay your marginal tax rate on all of your income".
I know someone who was pulling in easily $500K/year and still didn't understand marginal tax rates...boggles the mind
At least they're actually making money.
Half the time it's somebody making 40k who says it's actually good because if they made 45k they'd have to pay more in taxes.
Bonus points for whne you ask them who told them that and it was their boss.
I had this argument with my girlfriend-now-wife. Her parents are dumbass chuds and they taught her that. They also taught her that taxes are complicated and should be done on April 14th