Fellow non-American:
Add in the random percentage increase in price when you try to buy something in a store from hidden taxes.
Also add the culture of tipping, rather than paying staff.
Add in the random percentage increase in price when you try to buy something in a store from hidden taxes.
Also add the culture of tipping, rather than paying staff.
It's not random.
Those of us with a state tax are familiar with the rules and the rates. Those with a modicum of arithmetic ability have a pretty good idea what the total is coming to.
Not saying "this is better" just that it is not as bad as you apparently think.