Personal income tax to the
federal government is approx 15-25% for most people earning "normal" wage amounts in the $25000 to $99000 annual range (this is a rough approx, and there are many exceptions depending on circumstances for some people). The state you live in can also tax your annual earnings (some states do not do this, but they are few). The state tax rate varies, 4% to 10% is typical. This federal & state income tax is paid each year, due by April 15th. People on the very low end of earnings pay very little (if any) income tax, the threshold is about $10000. It is often said that the average American's earnings from Jan to May are used to pay his taxes for that year.
We also have what is called "sales tax" (similar to your "vat" I think). It is a tax added to nearly any item you purchase at retail businesses, like gasoline, food, clothing, telephone service, etc. The sales tax rate varies from state to state, from about 3% to over 10%.