what is a progressive tax 
a progressive tax involves a tax rate that increases or progresses as taxable income increases it imposes a lower tax rate on low income earners and a higher rate on those with higher incomes this is usually achieved by creating tax brackets that group taxpayers by income range the income tax system in the u s is considered a progressive system there are seven tax brackets in 2024 with rates of 10 12 22 24 32 35 and 37 there were 16 tax brackets in 1985 1investopedia dennis madambaunderstanding the progressive taxthe rationale for a progressive tax is that a flat percentage on all income would place a disproportionate burden on people with low incomes the dollar amount owed might be smaller but the effect on their real spending power would be greater 