There is a huge difference between reducing your tax rate versus getting paid by the Federal Government. For example, some who have the right investments, business pay no taxes, legally. The businesses typically revolve around real estate. For example, if a apartment building is purchased and improvements are made and the value goes up the property can be refinanced, money pulled out of the property and the invested in other property, the money pulled out of the property is NOT taxable. The very very wealthy pay no or very little taxes, Warren Buffett used to say his secretary pays more in taxes than he does. Is Warren Buffett getting a handout because he pays very little federal taxes? No, it is called being smart and knowing the tax code.