First Person: Even Middle Class Americans Can Get the 15% Federal Income Tax Rate

I was no Warren Buffett or Mitt Romney. Ten years ago, like many middle class Americans, I was in the 25% federal income tax bracket. However, my effective tax rate was slightly less than 15%. I believe even now middle class Americans can legally pay a low income tax rate without using any sophisticated tools known only to a tax professional (which I am not). I itemized my deductions and what helped me was owning my house, saving for retirement, investing in the stock market, and helping a family member. Read more here...