“The one thing that hurts more than having to pay income tax is not having to pay income tax.”
This witty observation perfectly captures a universal feeling. Nobody enjoys seeing their hard-earned money go to taxes. Yet, the quote cleverly reframes this common complaint. It reminds us of a much harsher reality: not earning enough money to owe taxes in the first place. The statement is a brilliant piece of financial philosophy wrapped in a simple, memorable joke. It encourages a shift in perspective, turning a financial obligation into a symbol of success.
But where did this clever paradox come from? For decades, people have attributed the line to one specific individual known for his sharp wit. However, the true origin story is a fascinating journey through historical records. Source
Unpacking the Paradoxical Wisdom
The quote’s power lies in its simple, undeniable logic. Paying income tax means you have an income. It signifies employment, business success, or profitable investments. Consequently, the absence of a tax bill often points to financial hardship, unemployment, or struggle. The sentiment transforms the annual pain of tax season into a subtle reminder of one’s own productivity and financial stability. It is a classic example of a “good problem to have.”
This perspective is more important than ever. In a world of financial uncertainty, having a steady income is a significant blessing. The quote serves as a Stoic reminder to find gratitude in our obligations. Instead of focusing solely on the money we lose to Understanding Your Tax Bill, it prompts us to appreciate the financial activity that made those taxes necessary. This simple re-framing can change our entire outlook on a topic most people only associate with stress.
. Thomas Dewar – Biographical Information
The Man Behind the Quote?
Most sources connect this famous quip to Thomas Robert Dewar. A Scottish whisky distiller who lived from 1864 to 1930, Dewar was as well-known for his clever sayings as he was for his spirits. He had a talent for crafting memorable epigrams, which people now call “Dewarisms.” These short, witty statements offered sharp observations on life, business, and human nature. Attributing the tax quote to him seems perfectly logical given his reputation.
Indeed, historical records confirm that Dewar used the line publicly. This fact has cemented his connection to the quote in countless books and articles over the past century. For many, he is the undisputed author. However, a deeper look into the timeline reveals a more complicated and interesting story. It shows how a great line can travel through culture, gaining momentum and a famous spokesperson along the way.
The London Speech of 1927
The strongest piece of evidence linking Thomas Robert Dewar – Oxford Dictionary of National Biography to the quote comes from a speech he gave in London. In October 1927, Dewar addressed an audience and delivered a series of his signature epigrams. Several newspapers covered the event the very next day. They reported many of his witty remarks, including the famous line about income tax. This contemporary documentation provides clear proof that he said it. Source
Among the other gems he shared that day were lines like, “A pessimist is the man who backed an optimist,” and “Experience is what you get while you are looking for something else.” The tax observation fit perfectly within his collection of clever, thought-provoking statements. For the audience and the reporters present, Thomas Robert Dewar, first Baron Dewar (1864–1930), whisky distiller was the clear source of this wisdom. For a long time, this speech was considered the origin point of the quote.
An Earlier Appearance
However, further investigation uncovers an earlier instance of the quote. In January 1927, nearly nine months before Dewar’s London speech, the joke appeared in print. An Australian newspaper, “Smith’s Weekly” of Sydney, published it in a humor column. The wording was slightly different: “If there’s one thing that hurts more than paying income tax—it’s not having to pay income tax.”
Crucially, the newspaper printed this line without any attribution. This suggests the saying was already circulating as a piece of anonymous public humor before Dewar ever used it in his famous speech. He may have heard it, appreciated its wit, and incorporated it into his own repertoire. This discovery changes our understanding of the quote’s history, moving it from a single author’s creation to a piece of popular, evolving wit.
A Popularizer, Not an Originator
The evidence strongly suggests that Thomas Dewar was not the originator of the quote, but its most effective popularizer. This was not an uncommon practice for him. For example, the other quote from his 1927 speech—”Experience is what you get while you are looking for something else”—had also appeared in print years earlier. It was published in an Ohio newspaper in 1923, four years before Dewar used it.
Thomas Dewar, 1st Baron Dewar – Britannica had a remarkable talent for identifying and delivering clever sayings. His fame and platform gave these anonymous jokes a credible source, helping them spread across the world. After his speech, publications began explicitly crediting him. By 1929, the quote was appearing in magazines with his name attached. Later, it was solidified in reference books. He became permanently linked to a line he helped make famous, even if he didn’t write it. Source
Why the Quote Endures
Ultimately, the question of who first strung these exact words together is less important than the wisdom the quote contains. It has endured for a century because its message is timeless. Every generation has to contend with Tax Policy and Economic Growth – Congressional Budget Office. And every generation understands the value of earning a living. The quote’s brilliant re-framing of a common burden provides a moment of humorous clarity.
It reminds us that our financial obligations are often tied to our successes. While no one loves paying taxes, the alternative is far worse. This clever piece of wisdom, popularized by a witty whisky distiller, continues to offer a valuable lesson in perspective. It encourages us to find a silver lining in the financial clouds and to be grateful for the income that makes taxes a necessity.