| − | A '''regressive tax''' is when everyone is taxed a fixed dollar amount, or fixed percentage such as sales tax. Essentially, a regressive tax causes those earning lower incomes to pay a greater percentage of their income. This acts as an incentive to force those earning lower incomes to work to earn higher incomes, thus reducing their effective [[tax rate]]. | + | A '''regressive tax''' is one in which everyone is assessed a fixed dollar amount or a fixed percentage, such as a sales tax. Essentially, a regressive tax causes those earning lower incomes to pay a greater percentage of their income. This acts as an incentive to force those earning lower incomes to work to earn higher incomes, thus reducing their effective [[tax rate]]. |