Buffett revealed his puzzlement ...only taxed at a 17.7 percent rate ... those who work for him ... pay on average about 32.9 percent in taxes

Buffett talks tax reform with Sen. Clinton | By David Ellis, CNNMoney.com staff writer | June 27 2007: 12:22 AM EDT

Berkshire Hathaway chairman suggests greater taxes for private equity firm managers and super rich to presidential hopeful.
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Speaking to several hundred supporters of the U.S. Senator from New York, Buffett revealed his puzzlement that he was taxed at a lower rate than many of the lesser-paid individuals working for his company.

Buffett said he makes $46 million a year in income and is only taxed at a 17.7 percent rate on his federal income taxes. By contrast, those who work for him, and make considerably less, pay on average about 32.9 percent in taxes - with the highest rate being 39.7 percent.

To emphasize his point, Buffett offered $1 million to the audience member who could show that one of the nation's wealthiest individuals pays a higher tax rate than one of their subordinates.

"I'm willing to bet anyone in this room $1 million that those rates are less than the secretary has to pay," said Buffett. ...