Where Is Our Tax Money Going? Citizens Question Public Infrastructure After High Tax Burdens

A tweet by user Anuradha Tiwari (@talk2anuradha) has sparked a wave of public outrage, highlighting the stark contrast between high taxation levels and deteriorating public infrastructure.

Tiwari listed the multiple taxes an average salaried Indian pays:

30% income tax on salary
30–50% cumulative tax on car purchases (including GST and cess)
18% GST on car insurance
State road tax during vehicle registration
Up to 60% tax on petrol and diesel

Despite this heavy financial outflow, she raised a painful question — why are taxpayers still forced to walk through sewage and gutter water due to poor civic infrastructure?

Her post struck a chord with thousands of citizens who face similar conditions. Crumbling roads, overflowing drains, and poor sanitation facilities have become all too common, even in metro cities. Many questioned the effectiveness and transparency of public expenditure, demanding accountability from both state and central authorities.

Economists note that while India’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains moderate compared to developed countries, the visible return on taxes in the form of basic civic amenities remains deeply unsatisfactory for many.

The post has reignited the long-standing debate over urban planning, corruption, and infrastructure spending in India. As monsoons exacerbate civic issues across cities, the demand for answers — and change — continues to grow louder.

> Paid 30% income tax on salary
> Paid 30–50% tax on car
> Paid 18% GST on car insurance
> Paid state road tax on vehicle
> Paid up to 60% tax on fuel

After paying all this, he is being forced to walk through sewage, gutter water.

Where is our tax money going? pic.twitter.com/BHyCs9U0cx
— Anuradha Tiwari (@talk2anuradha) July 10, 2025

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Mariya Paliwala

Mariya is theSenior Editor at JurisHour. She has 5+ years of experience on covering tax litigation stories from the Supreme Court, High Courts and various tribunals including CESTAT, ITAT, NCLAT, NCLT, etc. Mariya graduated from MLSU Law College, Udaipur (Raj.) with B.A.LL.B. and also holds an LL.M. She started as a freelance tax reporter in the leading online legal news companies like LiveLaw & Taxscan.

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