The average Canadian family paid more than $37K in taxes last year

Why spend money on housing, food and clothing when you can spend it on taxes?

A new study from the Fraser Institute found that the average Canadian family spent 43% of its income on taxes in 2017.

The average Canadian family spent 43% of its
income on taxes in 2017, more than housing, food and clothing costs combined https://t.co/lbhjqd1Kam #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/RhaJHVHWSB

— The Fraser Institute (@FraserInstitute) August 14, 2018

That’s more than was spent on housing, food and clothing combined.

“Many Canadians will be surprised to learn that taxes—and not life’s basic necessities, including housing—is the biggest household expense,” said Charles Lammam, co-author of the Canadian Consumer Tax Index.

According to the study, the average Canadian family earned $85,883 in 2017 and paid $37,058 in total taxes.

The average Canadian family paid more in taxes last year than housing, food and clothing costs combined https://t.co/lbhjqdjlyW #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/0tHnrICysq

— The Fraser Institute (@FraserInstitute) August 14, 2018

The average amount spent on housing, food and clothing combined was $30,597.

Canadian families paying more than twice of their income on taxes over housing reflects a major shift since 1961, when families spent far less on taxes than basic necessities like food, clothing and housing.

Since 1961, the average Canadian family’s total tax bill has increased by a staggering 2,112%, although that’s only 166.4% if you account for inflation.

Canadian Consumer Tax Index, 2018 https://t.co/Nx7uCK0oYu via @YouTube

— The Fraser Institute (@FraserInstitute) August 14, 2018

“Taxes help fund important public services that Canadians rely on, but the issue is the amount of taxes governments take compared to what Canadians get in return,” Lammam said.

“With 43% of their income going to taxes, Canadians might ask whether they’re getting the best value for their tax dollars.”

Do you think you’re paying an appropriate amount of taxes for what you get in return? Let us know in the comments below!