Tax Survey

April 14, 2005
Tax Foundation Annual Survey of U.S. Attitudes on Tax and Wealth
http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxsurvey.html

An overwhelming 77 percent said the federal tax code "needs major changes" or "needs to be completely overhauled."

Surprisingly, those most willing to trade deductions away for simplicity are the same ones likely to benefit from deductions: 59 percent of married respondents, 59 percent of those over age 45, and an overwhelming 69 percent of those with incomes over $75,000 say they are willing to abandon some deductions for a simpler tax code.

No information provided as to the rigor of the Survey, but it provides important insights, if the Spread and Sample variations are significant. The overwhelming commitment of Taxpayers seems to be simplification of the Tax Code, with desire for greater Tax fairness. The animosity to the Estate Tax stands evident, though current Tax rules disqualify Most from any taxation. Taxpayers still favor a Flat Tax over a National Sales Tax or the current Income Tax system. The Young and lower Income levels resented the Social Security tax, reflecting the FICA tax having become the Income tax of the poorer Working Class.

An interesting element expresses resentment that 44 million Tax-Filers pay no actual tax, with expression there should exist some Minimum Tax, to stop tax evasion by special exemptions. There appeared to be no Questions asked about the perceived fairness of Business taxation under the current Tax system, an important series for any Tax survey. lgl