39.6% is the top federal income tax bracket. There are also state income taxes (in most states), local income taxes in a few places (e.g., NYC), payroll tax (social security, etc.), real estate taxes and sales taxes. Add up all the taxes and you can easily reach 45%.
From 1944 to 1963 the top rate was not less than 91% From 1932 to 1981 the top rate was not less than 63%