Warren Buffett declared that if just 800 large corporations paid U.S. taxes at the same rate Berkshire Hathaway does, no American would owe any federal taxes, including income, Social Security, or estate taxes. Berkshire Hathaway itself paid over $5 billion to the IRS last year, a figure Buffett highlighted at his annual meeting. He framed this as evidence that the wealthy and corporations should contribute their fair share, contrasting sharply with some billionaires threatening relocation over higher taxes.

Buffett emphasized his long-held belief that the government owns a portion of corporate earnings and can adjust that share, stating simply, 'We’ll pay it' if rates rise. His message underscores a fundamental difference in perspective: while others see taxes as a burden to avoid, Buffett views them as a necessary cost of doing business in the system that enabled Berkshire's success. This stance sets him apart from a growing number of ultra-wealthy individuals and executives considering tax-driven moves to lower-tax jurisdictions.