Amazon at 6 percent and Verizon at 9 percent. Nine companies paid no taxes at all. About one of every seven companies had an effective tax rate lower than 10 percent, includingat 6 percent andat 9 percent. Nine companies paid no taxes at all.

Apple, at more than $400 billion, with an effective tax rate of 14 percent. Each circle represents a company, sized by its market capitalization. The largest is, at more than $400 billion, with an effective tax rate of 14 percent.

Combining earnings and taxes for all S.&P. 500 companies gives an effective tax rate of 29.1 percent. But rates vary widely by industry. Show Industries

Exxon $146 billion; Chevron $85 billion; and ConocoPhillips $58 billion. Three big energy firms paid the most taxes in absolute terms:$146 billion;$85 billion; and$58 billion.