<prompt> Human: Could someone explain to me why 21 of my measly 860 paycheck goes to taxes?Im a Michigan resident working in Michigan. I work 40 hours a week and am a full-time student. My pay rate is 10.75 with overtime in the summer.... The difference between 860 and 680 is huge. Obviously I have to pay taxes. But if that 860 was 760 instead, and not 680, that would make a huge difference as well, Im sure you can imagine.  <response>: I would really like my tax rate to be zero as well. I could have a lot higher standard of living too if I didnt have to pay taxes.Unfortunately, there are all these teachers, firemen, police officers, and so on who want to be able to put food on the table.While you and I would have a greatly better lifestyle if we didnt have to pay tax, we also wouldnt have police protection when criminals show up or somebody to prevent our houses from burning to the ground.Taxes also pay for the roads and to keep the water flowing, and I imagine you like to drive and take showers.Most people consider the paying of taxes to be a reasonable tradeoff for the benefits provided. 