From Forbes:
"The 2011 tax return released today by Vice President Joseph Biden shows two things about him: He’s more in hock than average Americans of his income level, and he’s chintzier with the charitable donations.
Biden’s return shows $379,178 in adjusted gross income, along with $30,019 in mortgage interest and $5,350 in donations. He’s spending five bucks in interest for every dollar in charity. A more typical ratio for families at that income level is 2-to-1.
How do I know what’s typical for American taxpayers? By deconstructing IRS statistics showing aggregate income and itemized deductions in different income ranges. These statistics display patterns from which I was able to extrapolate different itemized deduction averages for each income level.
For an average U.S. return at the $379,000 income level, mortgage interest comes to $21,960 and charitable donations to $9,520.
Biden’s stiff mortgage payments are particularly noteworthy in light of the fact that at his age, 68, you should own your house free and clear. He should be getting ready for retirement."