Bill Gates Says He'd Be 'Tens Of Billions Poorer' Under His Ideal Tax System – But He Still Supports It

In a recent interview with The Independent, Bill Gates reflected on his wealth and a tax system that he believes could help reshape wealth inequality in America – or at least help fund some depleting programs like Social Security. 

Gates even acknowledged that his wealth would be far less under his ideal tax system. “If I designed the tax system, I would be tens of billions of dollars poorer,” he said. He has long been an advocate of higher taxes on wealthier individuals. 

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Gates' stance closely aligns with proposals from Bernie Sanders, who advocates for a wealth tax targeting the top 0.1% of U.S. households. Sanders' plan would tax those with net worths exceeding $32 million and he estimates it would raise $4.35 trillion over the next decade, cutting billionaires' wealth in half over 15 years. 

Gates mentioned that Sanders' plans are more progressive than he would design the tax system, but he still supports change that aligns closely with Sanders' proposals. He supports the general goal of expanding the safety net by increasing taxes on the ultrarich and believes that with tech innovations – like AI – it will be easier and more feasible to tackle tax plans like this. 

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According to Gates, reversing this trend requires more than just charitable donations from billionaires. It calls for systemic change, starting with how the government taxes the wealthiest citizens. Although Gates has contributed billions through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he insists that philanthropy alone cannot address the country’s inequality scale. "The tax system could be more progressive without damaging significantly the incentive to do fantastic things," he said.

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While many billionaires might balk at losing billions to taxes, Gates maintains that his life would remain comfortable even under a more progressive tax system. “My life is fantastic,” he said. “I'm the luckiest person alive in terms of the work I get to do.” Despite public criticism, including wild conspiracy theories about his involvement in vaccine development, Gates remains focused on the bigger picture: creating a future where everyone has a fair shot at prosperity.

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As Gates sees it, addressing wealth inequality is not just about moral responsibility – it's about ensuring a stable and thriving society. He cautions younger generations to pay attention to growing misinformation and declining trust in government, noting that reversing these trends will be crucial to building a more equitable future.

Ultimately, Gates' willingness to support a tax system that would make him “tens of billions poorer” demonstrates his commitment to a vision of greater fairness. For those nearing or in retirement, understanding how wealth inequality and tax policies affect the broader economy is critical. Consulting a financial advisor can help individuals navigate these changes and secure their financial future.

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