Maher Discusses Taxes, Criticizes Sanders on Show

Comedian Bill Maher addressed tax payments and government spending during the April 24, 2026, episode of his show "Real Time." Maher stated that he paid nearly 60% of his earnings in various taxes, including state, local, sales, property, fees, and Obamacare contributions. He expressed frustration with statements that the rich do not pay their fair share of taxes.

Comments on Sen. Bernie Sanders Maher specifically mentioned Sen.

Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., saying he wished Sanders would stop claiming that the rich do not pay taxes. He acknowledged that super-rich individuals might use loopholes to reduce their taxes but noted that regular high earners pay a substantial amount. Sanders' office was contacted but did not immediately respond.

referenced a Los Angeles Times opinion piece indicating that the top 10% of earners pay 72% of all taxes, while the bottom half pay about 3%. He listed government-funded programs such as Social Security, unemployment, Medicare, and SNAP as examples of existing socialism.

He questioned how high taxes on the rich coexist with inadequate support for the poor, noting applause from the audience for this point.

Services Maher cited IRS data showing more than $5 trillion collected in 2025. He highlighted services like Remote Area Medical, which provides free medical, dental, and vision care in underserved areas, as evidence of gaps in government support. He pointed to rising costs for activities like Disney theme park vacations and concert tickets, which affect average Americans.

Maher also discussed healthcare disparities, stating that the wealthy can afford better access while the poor cannot.

stated that raising taxes on billionaires often leads them to relocate. He referenced SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in a quip about leaving the planet. Maher suggested bypassing government bureaucracies by encouraging billionaires to directly support systems and agencies.