Bill Maher Criticizes High Tax Burden in California

Comedian Bill Maher expressed his criticism of California’s high tax burden on businesses during his “Club Random” podcast. Maher humorously compared the state’s tax rate to the cut drug dealers would take, joking that California’s tax takes a bigger share. “It’s almost impossible to make a business work in California like that,” he commented.

He reminisced about his past experiences buying marijuana, noting that dealers didn’t take 40% like the state taxes. “When I bought drugs from a skeezy dealer, he didn’t skim 40%,” Maher said.

Although Maher spoke casually of a 40% rate, California’s corporate tax for most businesses is at 8.84%. This rate does not account for the federal corporate tax, which stands at 21% for class C corporations, along with payroll taxes and other business fees.

Actor and comedian Jack Whitehall, a guest on the podcast, joked that California’s heavy taxes push business owners to diversify into areas like gardening and tea rooms to survive.

In past remarks, Maher has criticized high taxes, citing an example where he paid nearly 60% of his income to various taxes, including state, local, sales, property, and others. He expressed frustration with claims that the rich don’t contribute enough in taxes. Maher stated that regular wealthy individuals pay significant taxes despite some super-rich exploiting loopholes.

Previously, Maher also commented on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Tax the Rich” message at the Met Gala. He noted, “I’m all for ending income inequality, but let’s not lie. The rich pay a lot of the taxes.” Maher acknowledged the need for amendments in the capitalist system yet emphasized that the wealthy already bear a substantial tax burden.