Americans for Prosperity - North Carolina protested proposed tax hikes by Governor Beverly Perdue and the increasing size of federal government.
"I believe in government and you have to pay for government, but I don't think that 50 percent of the people should have to support the other 50 percent," taxpayer Lou Testa said.
Protesters say government is spending out of control, bailing out big business not looking at the big picture.
"I'm totally against what they're doing right now --ruing the future of this country for our children and my grandchildren," taxpayer John McLaughlin said.
But taxpayer John Deans sees the other side, he says in the end the costly investment will benefit the next generation.
"We're in a hole and its going to take putting a little bit of putting dirt back in that to get out of the hole, but I think we'll get there and then we won't have to be digging it again," Dean said. "I think overall we'll be protecting our children's future."
The protests began Wednesday and are scheduled to take place over the next few days.
Organizers say they're steamed at government spending since President Barack Obama's administration took over.
"The taxpayer well is running dry," said Dallas Woodhouse, state director of Americans for Prosperity. "While North Carolina taxpayers are dealing with job layoffs, federal bailouts and trillion dollar debt, they don't also want to serve as the governor's relief fund anytime the state cries, 'bankrupt."
Protests will go on across the state through the rest of the week. All of the events are free and open to the public.
Click here to find where taxpayer protests will be held in N.C.
Rallies also took place in many states, including Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Hawaii, ew Hampshire, Rhode Island and Alabama.
