I know most would laugh at this, but my dad says to me every year when I complain about how much tax I had to pay:
“If you’re paying tax, that means you’re making money, so stop complaining”
I suppose he is right.. Doesn’t mean I don’t try to claim as much as possible as a tax write off though. I’m pretty sure our personal taxes are close to, or just a little higher than New Zealand..
Edit:
I double checked and it seems ours a pretty high (especially for non residents):
Residents:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
| $1 – $6,000 | Nil |
| $6,001 – $35,000 | 15c for each $1 over $6,000 |
| $35,001 – $80,000 | $4,350 plus 30c for each $1 over $35,000 |
| $80,001 – $180,000 | $17,850 plus 38c for each $1 over $80,000 |
| $180,001 and over | $55,850 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000 |
Non Residents:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
| $0 – $35,000 | 29c for each $1 |
| $35,001 – $80,000 | $10,150 plus 30c for each $1 over $35,000 |
| $80,001 – $180,000 | $23,650 plus 38c for each $1 over $80,000 |
| $180,001 and over | $61,650 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000 |