Bill Maher Criticizes California’s Tax Policies

Comedian Bill Maher criticized California’s heavy tax on businesses during his “Club Random” podcast. He humorously compared the state’s tax to the fees of past drug dealers he dealt with.

“It’s almost impossible to make a business work in California like that,” Maher stated on the episode. “The state takes about 40% in taxes. When I bought drugs from a dealer, he didn’t take 40%.” This remark was made in a light-hearted conversation, yet highlights a serious concern about the high tax burden in the state.

Bill Maher compared California’s taxes to his past experiences buying marijuana.

Maher made a comparison, saying when he sold marijuana, he never kept as large a share as California takes through taxes. “I’d buy a pound, make it into 17 ounces. Sure, that’s not 40%, but the government’s worse than the dealer,” he quipped.

While Maher’s 40% figure was likely an exaggeration, California does impose one of the highest corporate tax rates nationwide at 8.84% for most businesses. This rate doesn’t include the federal rate of 21% for class C corporations, or the various other business fees and payroll taxes.

Maher’s guest, actor and comedian Jack Whitehall, joked that California’s high taxes force business owners to expand into areas like gardening and tea rooms just to survive.

The comedian criticized California taxes on his ‘Club Random’ podcast, claiming the state takes more than drug dealers.

Previously, Maher has spoken out about high taxes. He mentioned his frustration with politicians like Sen. Bernie Sanders, saying he’s exhausted from hearing that the wealthy don’t pay enough taxes. On tax day, Maher calculated he paid nearly 60% of his earnings when including all forms of taxes.

Last week was tax day. Adding up state tax, local, sales, property, fees, and Obamacare, I probably paid almost 60% of what I earn,” Maher remarked. “It’s a lot, yet Bernie Sanders says the rich don’t pay taxes.”

Maher called out Bernie Sanders, expressing fatigue over claims that the rich don’t pay their share of taxes.

Maher also critiqued Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her “Tax the Rich” dress at the Met Gala. He stated, “It’s not like we don’t tax the rich at all. I support ending income inequality, but the rich already contribute a significant amount.”

He added, “Yes, we need to fix elements of capitalism, but people saying the rich don’t pay taxes is inaccurate. They pay a significant portion. I’m not denying it could be more, but let’s be honest.”