KENAPA GAJI ORANG TERKAYA DUNIA HANYA $1 PER TAHUN?

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the strategies of wealthy individuals who pay minimal salaries, such as $1 a year, to reduce taxes and boost their public image. He highlights how tax laws, particularly in Indonesia, allow business owners and CEOs to minimize their tax liabilities compared to regular employees. The speaker compares the tax burdens on different income groups, explaining how business owners often pay significantly lower taxes than salaried employees. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding tax regulations and provides tips on how young entrepreneurs can navigate the system to reduce their tax burdens while building wealth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many of the wealthiest people in the world earn only $1 per year or take minimum wage, which raises questions about their motives, such as tax benefits or strategic financial management.
• 😀 While some people praise the actions of billionaires taking small salaries, the main reason is often tax optimization, as it reduces the amount of tax they need to pay legally.
• 😀 Business owners, especially CEOs, can use salary strategies to reduce tax burdens, including earning below the tax exemption threshold to minimize tax payments.
• 😀 Warren Buffett pays a lower tax rate than his secretary, as most of his income comes from capital gains, which are taxed at a lower rate than wages from salaries.
• 😀 In Indonesia, business owners can pay less tax than employees with salaries, due to tax regulations like PP 23, which offers a lower tax rate for businesses (0.5%) and certain tax exemptions for investments.
• 😀 By structuring their salaries below the taxable income threshold (PTKP), business owners can minimize their personal tax liability while still generating substantial business income.
• 😀 Many businesses choose to take small salaries on paper while maximizing their wealth through dividends, which are taxed at lower rates or even zero, especially with reinvestment strategies.
• 😀 Tax strategies help business owners maintain a positive public image, with their modest salaries making them appear frugal or humble, which can enhance their personal branding.
• 😀 However, this tax strategy often benefits the wealthy more than the middle or lower classes, who face higher relative tax burdens on their salaries.
• 😀 Entrepreneurs must be cautious of tax regulations and remain informed, as improper tax handling can lead to serious consequences, including legal issues or financial penalties.
• 😀 It’s important for individuals, especially the younger generation, to learn about taxes early, including tax rates, policies, and strategies for minimizing personal or business tax burdens.

Q & A

Why do some of the richest people in the world take a salary of only $1 per year?

The primary reason is to minimize taxes. By taking a low salary, wealthy individuals reduce their taxable income, which in turn lowers their overall tax liabilities. This strategy is often used by business owners or CEOs who earn most of their income through investments, which are taxed at a lower rate than salary income.

What are the main advantages for business owners and CEOs who earn a small salary?

One of the main advantages is that it helps them minimize taxes, as their income from investments or business profits is taxed at a lower rate. Additionally, having a small salary can boost their branding, making them appear frugal or humble, which can positively affect their public image.

How do taxes work differently for business owners compared to employees?

Business owners often pay taxes at a lower rate because their income typically comes from capital gains, which are taxed less heavily than regular salary income. Employees, on the other hand, are taxed based on their salaries, which are subject to higher tax rates.

What are some ways business owners can further minimize taxes?

Business owners can utilize various tax regulations, such as claiming dividends and reinvesting profits into tax-advantaged instruments. This allows them to avoid paying taxes on certain types of income or to reduce the amount they pay. For example, in Indonesia, a business can pay only 0.5% tax on its total income under certain conditions.

How does the tax rate differ between high-income individuals and middle-class employees in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, business owners who earn millions in income can pay a much smaller tax rate, especially if they take advantage of specific tax regulations. In contrast, employees with a fixed salary face higher tax rates, especially if their income is substantial, leading to larger deductions from their earnings.

Why do some people perceive the tax strategies of the wealthy as unfair?

Many people see it as unfair because business owners or the rich can avoid higher taxes by manipulating their income sources and taking advantage of loopholes in the tax system. Meanwhile, middle-class workers who earn a fixed salary are taxed more heavily without such opportunities for tax reduction.

How does the tax burden of someone earning a high salary compare to someone with a business income?

A person earning a high salary, such as an employee with a monthly income of 15 million IDR, will face significant tax deductions from their salary. In contrast, a business owner with a similar or higher income, who earns through dividends or reinvestments, could potentially pay little to no tax on that income, depending on how it's structured.

What are some risks associated with not understanding tax laws properly?

Failing to understand tax laws can lead to mistakes such as underreporting income or not paying taxes properly, which could result in penalties, interest, and even legal issues. This can discourage people from starting or growing their businesses, as they might fear the complications of tax regulations.

Why is it important for individuals, especially younger generations, to learn about taxes?

It's important because understanding taxes can help individuals make informed decisions about their finances, avoid unnecessary penalties, and optimize their tax strategies. For younger generations, especially those planning to enter business, being well-versed in tax laws is crucial for long-term financial success.

How can middle-class individuals manage their finances better with respect to taxes?

Middle-class individuals should educate themselves on how taxes work, especially regarding personal income taxes and the implications of buying big-ticket items like cars or houses. They should also consider tax-efficient investment strategies and understand how different forms of income, such as salaries or investments, are taxed differently.