Top 10 countries with highest taxes as of 2022

Income tax is a mandatory tax charged by the government of a country. It may be spent on developmental projects, government research, defence, and other similar things.

Taxation differs significantly across countries. Every country has a unique way of calculating and implementing tax. Some countries may choose not to tax their citizens at all, while others may levy a tax on several other commodities and assets apart from income as well.

Have you ever wondered which country has the highest tax rates? Before we jump into our list of the highest income tax countries, let’s look at India first. Annual incomes under Rs 2,50,000 are not taxed as per the new tax regime, but any amount exceeding this is taxable.

In India. the income tax rate starts at 5% for the lowest slab and progressively increases with higher slabs, up to a maximum of 30%. But what is the highest income tax slab in India? The highest slab is over Rs 15,00,000, and the income tax to be paid as per the new regime is 30% of total income exceeding Rs 15,00,000.

Related: Income Tax In India: An Interesting History

Next, let us see which are the top 10 highest taxed countries. Dive in to learn more.

Countries with the highest income tax rates

1. Finland: With long days and longer nights, Finland is a wonderful place for those who love the cold weather. But before you make plans to move, don’t forget that the income tax rates here are high. Finland is the highest tax paying country in this list with the highest tax bracket being assessed at 56.95%.
    
2. Denmark: As charming as life in Denmark sounds, it doesn’t come without a high cost. Denmark is among the countries with highest taxes as the tax rate here goes up to a whopping 55.90%. 
    
3. Austria: Austria charges different tax rates, increasing gradually from lower-income slabs to higher ones. The highest tax slabs are liable to pay income tax at the rate of 55%, making it one of the highest income tax countries in the world.
    
4. Sweden: The high life expectancy rate and standard of living rankings of Sweden show that it is expensive. At present, the income tax rate here goes up to 20% for national tax and 52.90% for local taxes.
    
5. Aruba: The island country of Aruba might seem a great destination. Still, you’d want to think twice before settling there, given the income tax rate stands at 52%.
   
   Related: 13 Income Components Exempted Under The New Tax Regime
    
6. Portugal: You might have heard about Portugal’s role in world history and how it is famous as a tourist destination. However, the country is a well-developed high-income nation due to its highest income tax rate of 48%.
    
7. South Korea: Is your love for K-pop and K-dramas making you gravitate towards South Korea? Well, be careful, considering the personal income tax rate there goes up to 45%.
    
8. Germany: The tax rates in Germany start at 14% and rise geometrically. The highest income slab charges tax at a rate of 45%.
    
9. Japan: Japan is famous across the world for its technological advancements. But a less popular fact about the country is that it is one of the countries with highest taxes, which can be as high as 55%.
    
10. Iceland: Iceland is no doubt a fancy country - known for its beautiful landscapes, glaciers, volcanoes, and Northern lights. Of course, the high standards come with the tag of the highest tax paying country, too. Iceland has a high income tax rate of 46%.

Related: Should You Stick To The Old Tax Regime Or Move To The New One?

Conclusion

Income tax is one of the most important streams of revenue for every government. As we have seen from this list, the tax varies significantly across different countries. In general, European countries seem to have higher tax rates than the rest of the world. Luckily, India does not fall in the top 10 countries with highest taxes.