25 Countries Where the Rich Are Taxed the Most

China has seven brackets of taxable income ranging from 0% (with a standard basic deduction) on the income at or below 36,000 renminbi ($5,636) to 45% for annual taxable income of 960,000 renminbi ($150,317). There are separate five-bracket tax rates for income from privately-owned businesses, sole proprietorships, and partnerships subject to progressive rates between 5% annual taxable income of 30,000 renminbi ($4,697) or less to 35% for income above 500,000 renminbi ($78,289).

France’s income taxes range from 0% to 45% with the highest rate applying to taxable income above 157,806 euros, or $179,002. There are additional social surtaxes on higher incomes that are determined by marital status and types of income, such as stock dividends.

Germany has four tax brackets with the highest rates applying to taxable annual incomes above 274,612 euros ($311,429) for singles and 549,224 euros ($622,858) for married couples. Germany also applies an income tax surcharge for improving regional economies and infrastructure, though that tax has been substantially reduced in 2021.

South Africa has seven tax brackets, with 0% paid on the income at or below 216,200 rand ($13,783). Annual income above 1,656,600 rand ($1,878,460) is subject to the highest rate. There are no local income taxes, and South Africans receive credits for foreign taxes paid.

The United Kingdom has four tax brackets, with the highest tax levied on taxable income above 150,000 pounds ($202,070). Income from annual dividends below 2,000 pounds ($2,695) is not taxed, but income above that threshold is considered “top slice” income and is taxed at the individual filers’ highest marginal tax rate.