Question for stock broker - accountant - statistician types?

[mistertrickster]

In 1980, the tax for Soc. Sec. and Medicare was 13 percent.

In 2010, the tax is roughly 15 percent.

So . . . did the tax go up 2 percent (as I think)?

Or did it go up 15 percent as this FReeper jerk I'm arguing with on-line thinks? (15-13 = 2 divided by 13, a percentage on a percentage).

I won't be mad if I'm wrong . . .

(edited for spelling)

[Brickbat]

1. It went up two percentage points, and it went up 15 percent.

[mistertrickster]

2. Yup, that's what I thought too. Thank you. nt

[donco6]

3. Sorry, he's right.

15.38% to be exact.

[hugo_from_TN]

4. The tax went up 15 percent.

[Greyhound]

5. He's right, It did double, but he probably doesn't want to know that it was

St. Raygun that did it.

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ProgData/oasdiRates.html">Here's the progression.

[mistertrickster]

6. Score . . . well done. nt

[mistertrickster]

7. Still, the 15 percent increase is pretty meaningless compared to a 2 percentage point increase.

0.013 to 0.015 percent

13 to 15 percent

39 to 45 percent

*****

They are all a 15 percent increase.

Does a "crime wave up 15 percent" mean much when you're talking about going from 6 crimes to 7?

[Common Sense Party]

8. It's two percent more of wages, but it's a 15% increase.