Suppose that the income tax in a certain nation is computed as a flat rate of 5 percent, but no tax is levied above $50,000 in taxable income. Taxable income, in turn, is computed as the individual’s income minus $10,000; that is, everyone gets a $10,000 deduction. What are the marginal and average tax rates for each of the following workers? (Evaluate the marginal tax rate at each person’s current income level.)
a. A part-time worker with annual income of $9,000.
b. A retail salesperson with annual income of $45,000.
c. An advertising executive with annual income of $600,000. Is the tax progressive, proportional, or regressive with respect to income?