To explain tax rates to a client earning $54,000 using a piecewise linear function, we need to break down the income into different ranges based on the tax brackets established by the tax code. Here's how you might interpret it:
Example Tax Bracket Structure:
- 10% on income up to $10,000
- 12% on income from $10,001 to $40,000
- 22% on income from $40,001 to $85,000
Explanation for the Client Earning $54,000:
-
Income up to $10,000:
- The first $10,000 of your income is taxed at 10%.
- Tax: $10,000 * 0.10 = $1,000
-
Income from $10,001 to $40,000:
- The income between $10,001 and $40,000 (which is $30,000) is taxed at 12%.
- Tax: $30,000 * 0.12 = $3,600
-
Income from $40,001 to $54,000:
- The income between $40,001 and $54,000 (which is $14,000) is taxed at 22%.
- Tax: $14,000 * 0.22 = $3,080
Total Tax Calculation:
Now, we can add up the total tax liability:
- Total Tax:
- From the first bracket: $1,000
- From the second bracket: $3,600
- From the third bracket: $3,080
- Total Tax: $1,000 + $3,600 + $3,080 = $7,680
Conclusion:
So, for an income of $54,000, your total tax liability would be $7,680. The piecewise function neatly illustrates how different portions of your income are taxed at different rates, which results in the total tax amount based on your earnings.
This method helps clients understand that not all their income is taxed at the highest rate, but rather segmented into ranges, making the tax calculation more manageable and less intimidating.