American Notes

Most Americans fork over an average 37.7% of their adjusted gross income in taxes. George Bush paid only 29.5% last year. Reason: he maintains his legal residence in Texas, one of only seven states without an income tax. According to MONEY magazine, the First Family reported an adjusted gross income of $452,732 in 1990 but paid only $3,596, or 0.8%, in state income taxes. Those levies probably went to Maine, where the President vacations each August. If Bush had declared Kennebunkport as his residence instead of Texas, where he doesn't even own a home, his state bill would have been about $29,000. Had he listed the District of Columbia, he would have owed about $30,000 -- but high federal officials are exempted from D.C. taxes. There is nothing illegal about the Bushes' return. Like many Americans, they take full advantage of available tax breaks -- even if doing so leads into gray areas.