I Paid My Taxes. Elon Didn't.

My tax bill could have been a BMW

We all pay our fair share, except for those who pay none

By now you’ve probably either paid your taxes or filed an extension (been there, done that.) Or maybe you’re one of those who’s betting you won’t get caught and just skipped it altogether. Please let me know how that works out. And if you’re someone who dealt with this annual madness months ago, just know we probably wouldn’t be friends.

Every year it stings. The amount of time it takes to get it all pulled together — even when you’re paying someone else to actually create and file the return. But then there’s the painful part of writing a check to the IRS. Let’s take a minute and pause: think about how much you paid in taxes for last year. Maybe get some coffee? I need a stiff drink.

I’m pissed about my tax bill. For what I shelled out, there are so many other things I would have rather blown the money on. Like a brand new BMW i5 or an Audi A7. It could also be a Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic but never again. Car dents like its made of aluminum. Which of course has nothing to do with my driving.

Yes, I made enough money last year to warrant a tax bill the size of a luxury vehicle. I know this is a first-world problem. I don’t take it for granted that I made money last year. I’ve had several years where I made a lot less, and even years where I made less money than what I paid in taxes for 2025. I’ve been laid off more than once. I know what it means to make money and not, sometimes in the same year. Welcome to tech.

But every year I’ve paid my taxes, some years selling jewelry or purses to foot the bill. If my money was being used wisely, say to improve schools or streets, that would be one thing. But knowing my money has to offset the $1 billion a day the country is spending on the war with Iran makes me furious. I’m livid that our government is killing citizens and using our tax dollars to attack free speech.

I’m not ok that I’m paying my fair share of taxes, yet the wealthiest among us pay none. Take Elon Musk of Tesla fame with his net worth of $795.7 billion. In 2018, he paid $0 in federal income tax. This information is from an investigation by ProPublica.

And before you start thinking “well I’m sure it was a one time thing” stop. It’s not.

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos has a net worth of $259.5 billion, yet in both 2007 and 2011 he paid $0 in federal income taxes. If I also find out his new bride, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is getting all of her swoon worthy designer duds for free, I’ll lose my shit.

And let’s not forget President Donald Trump, who’s never gotten my vote. He loves to brag about his obscene wealth and also not paying, claiming “that makes me smart.”

It definitely makes me feel like an angry chump. The list of those who’ve paid $0 federal income tax goes on and on, if you want to take a look. I find it demoralizing.

The strategy isn’t just limited to the uber wealthy. In 2023, 0.4% of those who made more than $1 million didn’t pay any federal taxes either, according to USAFacts.

Maybe that’s what they really mean when they talk about trickle down economics.

As for you and me, next April it will be the same. I’ll again wait too long to pull the papers together, ignoring the accountant who keeps hounding me. Just to write another check that feels way too big, paying for another war I don’t support. Then I’ll look up all the dreamy new cars I won’t be buying. But know what will never be on my list? A Tesla.

Does it make your furious to follow the rules and pay your taxes each year when some pay none? Share your thoughts and let’s talk — comments are open to all.

Cheers to spending our time and money well!