Browse Stacks: Business: Taxes: Taxes-GDP-103012.PNG (802×432)

As shown in the chart if you want to increase revenue you need to produce economic growth. It will surprise most people that over the last 50+ years regardless of the level of tax rates - tax receipts as a percentage of GDP has remain mired between 16 and 21%. During recessions tax collections are at the lower end of the range. Not surprisingly, during periods of economic growth, tax collections are at their peak.