What characterizes a progressive tax?

A progressive tax system is characterized by higher tax rates applied to higher income levels. This means individuals with higher incomes pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes compared to those with lower incomes. The rationale behind this approach is to create a more equitable tax system where those who have more financial resources contribute a fair share to fund government services and programs that benefit society as a whole.

The progressive tax model aims to reduce economic inequality by ensuring that wealthier individuals contribute more in taxes, which can then be used to support public goods and services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This approach contrasts significantly with flat tax systems, where all earners pay the same tax rate regardless of income, and regressive tax systems, where lower-income individuals bear a heavier tax burden relative to their income.