2. Jock tax

Next on our list of ridiculous taxes is one directed at people who earn money by being active in a certain field. What began as bad blood has turned into a lucrative source of state funding, considering that taxing “jocks”, performers, and other entertainers can generate a lot of money.

California was the first US state to impose the Jock Tax in 1991, after the Chicago Bulls defeated the LA Lakers in the finals. The next time Michael Jordan played in Los Angeles, the money he made on those games was officially levied by the California State Income Tax.

Since then, half of the US states have adopted a Jock Tax, taking a cut from high-paid heroes and giving the added resources to local communities.