In 1969, UK government expenditure was approximately 42% of gross domestic product (GDP). In 1969, US government expenditure (federal, state, and local) was approximately 30.6% of gross domestic product (GDP).
George Harrison’s income in 1969 was likely taxed at an effective rate of 70–85%, depending on its composition (earned vs. unearned) and tax planning. For an estimated income of £100,000–£200,000, he paid roughly £70,000–£170,000 in taxes, or $167,300–$406,300 USD (£1 = $2.39). The top marginal rate approached 91.25–96.25%, but reliefs and strategies like Northern Songs lowered his overall burden. Without precise income data, this is an informed estimate—his frustration, as voiced in “Taxman,” reflects the punitive rates faced by the ultra-wealthy
