Bill Maher, in his Club Random podcast, criticized California’s high taxes on businesses. He humorously compared the state’s tax rates to past experiences with drug dealers, noting that ‘in California, the state takes 40% in taxes.’ His comment highlights the state’s challenge to business operations.

Maher, drawing a parallel with his past marijuana purchases, mentioned that even drug dealers didn’t take such a large share. ‘I would buy a pound and extend it to 17 ounces, not 40% like the government,’ he joked.

Though Maher’s 40% remark was exaggerated, California does have high corporate tax rates, standing at 8.84% for many businesses. This doesn’t include the federal rate of 21% for class C corporations or additional business fees.

Actor and comedian Jack Whitehall, appearing as a guest, joked that California business owners might need to start gardening businesses or tea rooms to cope with the tax burden.

Maher has discussed taxes before, mentioning his tax payments, including state and local taxes, sales taxes, and other fees. He estimated that nearly 60% of his earnings went to taxes, while calling for an end to the narrative that the wealthy do not pay taxes.

He also criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s ‘Tax the Rich’ message, reminding that the affluent do pay significant taxes. He urged an honest discussion about income inequality without misleading claims about tax contributions by the wealthy.