I've noted before how the truly wealthy don't need any taxable income (they usually will have some, but don't need to). So, their tax rates are inherently going to be low, or even zero. Imagine I own a hundred million dollars in Apple stock. I need say $2 million a year for my lifestyle. I borrow off my stock holding that $2 million tax free. I can do this for a long time especially if the stock appreciates. I may pay 5% interest or so, maybe less.
