“What does America Think about Taxes?”
The Tax Foundation released their 2007 Annual Survey of U.S. Attitudes on Taxes and Wealth in April. The survey found “that tax policy continues to be a key issue in the minds of the American Public.”
The five key findings, according to the Tax Foundation, are:
- “A new 2007 poll of tax attitudes finds a majority of U.S. adults believe the federal tax code is complex, that the federal income taxes they pay are "too high," and the federal tax system needs major changes or a complete overhaul. “
- “Just one in ten (10 percent) say they are willing to pay higher taxes to eliminate 2007's projected $244 billion federal budget deficit."
- “Two-thirds (66 percent) favor a complete elimination of the controversial federal estate tax.“
- “Roughly half (48 percent) say they are willing to give up some federal tax deductions if such broadening of the tax base were coupled with an across-the-board cut in tax rates.“
- “The estate tax is seen as the most "unfair" federal tax, followed by gasoline taxes and personal income taxes. At the state and local level, gasoline taxes are seen as the most "unfair" tax, followed by local property taxes and motor vehicle taxes”
Read the entire survey results. Better yet, encourage your favorite County Board member to read the results. It might help them to stop and think, for at least a moment, before approving the next spendthrift budget. And that fourth finding suggests many Americans would prefer a flat or fair tax.