Roper Center for Public Opinion Research

Site   Datasets    Advanced Search
University of Connecticut

Topics At A Glance: Taxes

Fairness of Federal Taxes

New! Full search results
How fair do you think our present federal tax system is? Overall would you say that our tax system is--very fair, moderately fair, not too fair, or not fair at all?
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press Political Survey, [Dec, 2011]



How fair do you think our present federal tax system is? Overall, would you say that our tax system is very fair, moderately fair, not too fair or not fair at all?
CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll, [Apr, 2010]



Do you regard the (federal) income tax which you will have to pay this year (2007) as fair?
Gallup Poll, [Apr, 2007]


Tax Reform

New! Full search results
(I'm going to read you a list of specific ways the new (2010) health reform law may or may not impact Medicare. For each, please tell me if you think it is something the law does or does not do.) To the best of your knowledge, would you say the new law does or does not...increase the Medicare payroll tax on earnings for upper income Americans?
Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, [Sep, 2012]



Now for something a little different. Recently, Republicans in the House of Representatives proposed a budget for the next 10 years. I'm going to read what Republicans in Congress are saying about their budget. Our plan saves the country from a future of spending and debt by cutting an additional 5.3 trillion dollars over the next ten years, bringing federal spending down to the historic level of 20 percent as a share of the economy, and bringing deficits down by 2015. Our plan fixes the broken tax code by making it simple, fair and competitive, and eliminates special interest loopholes while lowering everyone's rates to promote growth. Our plan repeals the Obama administration's health care reform law and the Wall Street reform law, which cause uncertainty for job-creating businesses. Our plan strengthens Medicaid over the next decade by providing states greater flexibility to determine what is best for the people who live in their communities. Our plan will save Medicare for future generations by making smart reforms, giving future seniors the choice to purchase private plans or traditional Medicare. From what you know, do you favor or oppose this budget plan? (If Favor/Oppose, ask:) (Is that strongly or somewhat favor/oppose?)
Sample: National likely voters in Republican districts
Democracy Corps Poll, [Jul, 2012]



Under the new (2010) health care reform law, states have the option to expand Medicaid, with funding from the federal government, to cover more people without health insurance. Some Republican governors are refusing to participate. The federal government will pay the entire cost of the Medicaid expansion for three years and 90 percent of the costs thereafter. Now, I am going to read you a pair of statements about this issue. Please tell me which comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right. The Democratic Candidate says: For the sake of stopping President (Barack) Obama, the Republicans are refusing federal funds that will allow many to have health insurance instead of just going to the emergency room and leaving the rest of us to foot the bill. Republicans are preventing tax credits for small businesses and those earning under 50,000 dollars. Instead of more political fighting, we should focus on making health care more affordable for everyone. The Republican Candidate says: We should do everything possible to stop ObamaCare in name of State. The cost of Medicaid is already 15 percent of our budget and growing every year. This is an unfunded mandate and a federal power grab. The federal government imposes new requirements and leaves name of State to pick up the tab. Considering just these two statements, for which candidate would you vote--the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate?
Sample: National likely voters
Democracy Corps/Women's Voices. Women Vote Poll, [Jul, 2012]


Cheating On Income Taxes

New! Full search results
Do you know anyone who has cheated on their income taxes? By cheating, we mean intentionally neglecting to report some income or overstating deductions or making other false claims on their income tax return.
AARP Incomes Taxes Survey, [Feb, 2011]



(Does this information change your view about cutting spending, or do you definitely believe the cut is necessary?)...Cuts to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) budget could mean it is more difficult to catch and prosecute tax cheaters.
Note: Asked of those who said that Internal Revenue Service is an area we can afford to cut back on (65%)
Ipsos-Public Affairs/Reuters Poll, [Jan, 2011]



(I'm going to read you a list of situations when people sometimes lie. For each one, please tell me whether you think lying in that situation is often okay, sometimes okay, or never okay.) How about...cheating on one's taxes?
Associated Press/Ipsos-Public Affairs Poll, [Jun, 2006]


Excise Taxes On Liquor and Tobacco

New! Full search results
To what extent are you in favor of the following policy initiatives to reduce substance use among young people?...Not at all, a little, somewhat, very much...Increase alcohol taxes to raise the cost of alcohol
CASA 2010 Adolescent Substance Use Survey, [Nov, 2010]



(To what extent are you in favor of the following policy initiatives to reduce substance use among young people?...Not at all, a little, somewhat, very much)...Increase cigarette taxes to raise the cost of smoking
CASA 2010 Adolescent Substance Use Survey, [Nov, 2010]



It has been proposed that getting a tan at a tanning salon should be taxed, similar to the taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. Is taxing tanning at a salon a good idea?
60 Minutes/Vanity Fair Poll, [Aug, 2010]


Sales Tax

New! Full search results
(As you know, the economy is not doing well. There are various proposals for helping to get the economy going, all of which are controversial. We will be presenting a number of these proposals to you. Most deal with changes to taxes. Some proposals cut certain taxes, with some cutting taxes paid by workers, while other would cut taxes paid by employers. Other proposals are for increasing tax revenues. We would like to know what you think about these proposals. In each case we will explain the proposal. You will then read and evaluate a number of arguments for and against the proposal and then finally express your view. There is no right or wrong answer, so please answer the questions based on your knowledge or impressions. If you do not know the answer to a question, you can simply skip it and go on to the next question. Now here are some proposals for individual income taxes. As you may know, in 2001 and 2003 Congress passed temporary cuts to individual income taxes. These were supposed to expire at the end of 2010, with taxes returning to the levels that had been in place since 1994. However, in 2010 the tax cuts were extended to the end of 2012. Here are three major proposals about what should happen after 2012--along with official estimates of the effect each approach would have on government revenue, compared to having the tax cuts expire, as currently mandated by law. Proposal: Having the income tax cuts expire, current law. Effect on government revenue: No effect. Proposal: Making the tax cuts permanent for both those with high incomes and those making less. Effect on government revenue: Reduces projected revenue, i.e. increases deficit, by approximate $3.7 trillion over the next decade. Proposal: Having the tax cuts expire for those with high incomes, households that make more than $250,000 a year, but keeping the tax cuts for those making less. Effect on government revenue: Reduces projected revenue, i.e. increases deficit, by approximately $3.0 trillion over the next decade. Here are arguments for each of these positions. For each, please select how convincing or unconvincing you find them....Very convincing, somewhat convincing, somewhat unconvincing, very unconvincing)...People with low to middle incomes shouldn't be hit with a tax increase in an economic downturn. If they suddenly have less, this will reduce demand, lower sales and hurt the economy. But this isn't true of the 1-2% with household incomes above $250,000--they aren't going to change their spending because of a tax increase that represents only a small percentage of their overall income.
PIPA/Knowledge Networks Poll, [Dec, 2011]



Herman Cain is proposing to change the current tax system. His 9-9-9 plan would eliminate all current federal taxes and replace them with a 9 percent personal income tax, a 9 percent corporate income tax and a 9 percent federal sales tax. How much have you heard or read about Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan? A lot, some, not much, or nothing at all?
Sample: National registered voters
Quinnipiac University Poll, [Oct, 2011]



(Herman Cain is proposing to change the current tax system. His 9-9-9 plan would eliminate all current federal taxes and replace them with a 9 percent personal income tax, a 9 percent corporate income tax and a 9 percent federal sales tax.) Do you think Cain's 9-9-9 plan is a good idea or a bad idea?
Sample: National registered voters
Quinnipiac University Poll, [Oct, 2011]


Capital Gains Tax

New! Full search results
I would like to read you several pairs of statements about government taxing and spending and have you tell me, for each pair, which one you agree with more....Congressman A says we should raise taxes on capital gains for the wealthy, regardless of whether or not it will increase revenue for the government, because we need to ensure fairness. Congressman B says it makes no sense to raise capital gains taxes since it will reduce revenue for the government. That would increase the deficit and hurt economic growth....(If Statement A/B, ask:) Do you strongly agree with that statement or somewhat agree with that statement?
Sample: National registered voters
Resurgent Republic Survey, [Apr, 2012]



Some people say investment income such as dividends should be taxed at a lower rate than wages because profits from investments have already been taxed once at the company level and a lower rate would encourage investment than can fuel job growth. Others say it is unfair to tax capital gains at a lower rate. Which do you prefer?
TIPP/Investor's Business Daily Poll, [Apr, 2012]



Federal tax policy now allows capital gains and dividends to be taxed at a lower rate than income from work. Which comes closer to your view? You approve of the current policy because you think it encourages investment, which helps the economy and ultimately increases tax revenues. You think capital gains and dividends should be taxed the same as income earned from work because the current policy increases the federal deficit and is unfair to people who don't have money to invest.
CBS News/New York Times Poll, [Apr, 2012]


Property Taxes

New! Full search results
(Democrats say that it is very important to cut the deficit, but oppose these cuts as much too large, too fast and with the wrong priorities. Let me read you some statements the Democrats are making about the budget cuts. After each statement, tell me whether it makes you much less likely to support these cuts, somewhat less likely, just a little less likely, no less likely or more likely to support these budget cuts.)...This budget passes the bill to state and municipal governments. The costs will be passed down and result in rising property and sales taxes as state and local governments will have to foot the bill.
Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form A half sample
Democracy Corps Poll, [Feb, 2011]



(Now I am going to read you some of the specific spending cuts proposed in the House Republicans' budget for this year (2011). After I read each one, please tell me whether you favor or oppose it.)...It cuts funding to local government, which will mean further loss of middle class jobs in police, fire and teaching and likely higher local property taxes. (If Favor/Oppose, ask:) (Is that strongly or somewhat favor oppose?)
Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form A half sample
Democracy Corps Poll, [Feb, 2011]



There is always a lot of discussion about the best way to finance the public schools. Which do you think is the best way to finance the public schools--by means of local property taxes, by state taxes, or by taxes from the federal government in Washington?
Attitudes Toward The Public Schools Survey, [Jun, 2008]


State and Local Tax Woes: Spending vs. Services

New! Full search results
Now for something a little different. Recently, Republicans in the House of Representatives proposed a budget for the next 10 years. I'm going to read what Republicans in Congress are saying about their budget. Our plan saves the country from a future of spending and debt by cutting an additional 5.3 trillion dollars over the next ten years, bringing federal spending down to the historic level of 20 percent as a share of the economy, and bringing deficits down by 2015. Our plan fixes the broken tax code by making it simple, fair and competitive, and eliminates special interest loopholes while lowering everyone's rates to promote growth. Our plan repeals the Obama administration's health care reform law and the Wall Street reform law, which cause uncertainty for job-creating businesses. Our plan strengthens Medicaid over the next decade by providing states greater flexibility to determine what is best for the people who live in their communities. Our plan will save Medicare for future generations by making smart reforms, giving future seniors the choice to purchase private plans or traditional Medicare. From what you know, do you favor or oppose this budget plan? (If Favor/Oppose, ask:) (Is that strongly or somewhat favor/oppose?)
Sample: National likely voters in Republican districts
Democracy Corps Poll, [Jul, 2012]



In general, would you be willing or not willing to have many of your local government services reduced if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?
CBS News/New York Times Poll, [Jul, 2012]



Now for something a little different. Earlier this year (2012), Republicans in Congress passed a budget that Mitt Romney and Republicans in the Senate support, called the Paul Ryan budget, named after the chairman of the House Budget Committee. Let me read you some things that Republicans who support this budget say it will do and how it will help the country. Our plan saves the country from a future of spending and debt by cutting an additional 5.3 trillion dollars over the next ten years, bringing federal spending down to the historic level of 20 percent as a share of the economy, and bringing deficits down by 2015. Our plan fixes the broken tax code by making it simple, fair and competitive, and eliminates special interest loopholes while lowering everyone's rates to promote growth. Our plan repeals the Obama administration's health care reform law and the Wall Street reform law, which cause uncertainty for job-creating businesses. Our plan strengthens Medicaid over the next decade by providing states greater flexibility to determine what is best for the people who live in their communities. Our plan will save Medicare for future generations by making smart reforms, giving future seniors the choice to purchase private plans or traditional Medicare. From what you know, do you favor or oppose this budget plan? (If Favor/Oppose, ask:) (Is that strongly or somewhat?)
Sample: National likely voters
Democracy Corps Poll, [Jun, 2012]


Taxes on Energy

New! Full search results
(For each of the following, please tell me whether you favor or oppose it as a way for the federal government to try to reduce future global warming.) ((Half sample, add:) Each of these changes would increase the amount of money that you pay for things you buy.) Do you favor or oppose...the federal government increasing taxes on gasoline so people either drive less, or buy cars that use less gas?
Washington Post/Stanford University Poll, [Jun, 2012]



For the next items, please tell me for each one whether it's something the government should require by law, encourage with tax breaks but not require, or stay out of entirely. (Half sample, add:) (Each of these changes would increase the amount of money that you pay for things you buy.)...Building cars that use less gasoline
Washington Post/Stanford University Poll, [Jun, 2012]



(For the next items, please tell me for each one whether it's something the government should require by law, encourage with tax breaks but not require, or stay out of entirely.) (Half sample, add:) (Each of these changes would increase the amount of money that you pay for things you buy.)...Building new homes and offices that use less energy for heating and cooling
Washington Post/Stanford University Poll, [Jun, 2012]


Taxes on Oil Companies (Incentives & Windfall Profits)

New! Full search results
(Now I'm going to read you a statement that Barack Obama might say about our country. After I read this statement, please tell me whether this statement would make you much more likely to vote for Barack Obama, somewhat more likely, a little more likely, no more likely, or less likely to vote for Barack Obama.)...As a nation we are moving forward again, but we have much more to do to get folks back to work and make the middle class secure again. Let's create a million new manufacturing jobs and give tax breaks to companies that invest in America, not that ship jobs overseas. Let's produce more oil, clean-coal, natural gas, wind and solar energy right here in America. Let's prepare 100 thousand math and science teachers and expand student aid so more Americans can afford college. And let's reduce the deficit by four trillion dollars over the next decade.
Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form B half sample
Democracy Corps Poll, [Oct, 2012]



Now I'm going to read you a statement that Mitt Romney might say about our country. After I read this statement, please tell me whether this statement would make you much more likely to vote for Mitt Romney, somewhat more likely, a little more likely, no more likely, or less likely to vote for Mitt Romney....Too many Americans are struggling to find work in today's economy. Too many of those who are working are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to make falling incomes meet rising prices for food and gas. We need policies that will make things better for middle class families. We need a plan to create 12 million new jobs. Let's take advantage of our oil, coal and gas reserves to become energy independent. Let's lower tax rates for the middle class and small businesses, expand trade, crack down on China, and improve job training.
Sample: National likely voters
Note: Asked of Form A half sample
Democracy Corps Poll, [Oct, 2012]



Now I'm going to read you a statement that Mitt Romney might say about our country. After I read this statement, please tell me whether this statement would make you much more likely to vote for Mitt Romney, somewhat more likely, a little more likely, no more likely, or less likely to vote for Mitt Romney (for president in 2012). Today, for the first time, most Americans now doubt that our children will have a better future. It's what you deserved, but didn't get. We need a plan to create 12 million new jobs. Let's take advantage of our oil, coal and gas reserves to become energy independent. Let's give the children of today the skills they need to be successful tomorrow, giving every student a choice to attend a good school. Forge new trade agreements, cut the deficit, and reduce taxes and regulations on small businesses.
Sample: National likely voters
Democracy Corps/Women's Voices. Women Vote Poll, [Sep, 2012]


Cut Taxes or Reduce Budget Deficit

New! Full search results
In your view, what is the best way to reduce the federal budget deficit? Should we mostly focus on cutting major programs, mostly focus on increasing taxes or should we do a combination of both?
Public Religion Research Institute Post-election American Values Survey 2012, [Nov, 2012]



As you may know, the US (United States) budget deficit is currently about 1.4 trillion dollars. There are a number of different solutions being discussed for reducing this deficit. These are cutting existing programs, raising taxes on the wealthy, or some combination of the two. Which approach do you think is best?
impreMedia/Latino Decisions Poll, [Nov, 2012]



Now I'm going to read you a statement that Mitt Romney might say about our country. After I read this statement, please tell me whether this statement would make you much more likely to vote for Mitt Romney, somewhat more likely, a little more likely, no more likely, or less likely to vote for Mitt Romney (for president in 2012). Today, for the first time, most Americans now doubt that our children will have a better future. It's what you deserved, but didn't get. We need a plan to create 12 million new jobs. Let's take advantage of our oil, coal and gas reserves to become energy independent. Let's give the children of today the skills they need to be successful tomorrow, giving every student a choice to attend a good school. Forge new trade agreements, cut the deficit, and reduce taxes and regulations on small businesses.
Sample: National likely voters
Democracy Corps/Women's Voices. Women Vote Poll, [Sep, 2012]


Tax Dollars Wasted by the Government

New! Full search results
For every dollar you pay in federal taxes, about how much of it do you think the government wastes?
Reason-Rupe Poll, [Mar, 2012]



Out of every dollar the federal government collects in taxes, how many cents do you think are wasted?
%
1     None
8     10 cents or less
12     11-25 cents
36     26-50 cents
17     51-75 cents
21     76 cents or more
6     Don't know/No opinion
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, [Feb, 2010]



(I would now like to read you a few actions that elected officials might undertake. After I read each one, please tell me whether this action would increase the trust you have in them a lot, some or not at all.)...Focus more on ensuring government programs are effective and do not waste taxpayer dollars
Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll, [Jan, 2010]


From the Archives


Did you favor or oppose the new tax increase that was recommended by President (Ronald) Reagan and passed by Congress?
Sample: National registered voters
Garth Analysis Survey, [Aug, 1982]



Regardless of whether you favor or oppose the tax cut proposal (by President George W. Bush), do you think the tax cut is likely to...force the government to reduce domestic spending or not?
Pew News Interest Index Poll, [Apr, 2003]



More specifically, would you say that... your local real estate taxes, if you pay any... are going up, going down or aren't they changing much these days?
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, [Sep, 1990]


Presidential Approval Ratings

Presidential Approval Ratings

Compare current trends to other presidents as far back as Roosevelt and Truman.


Most Important Problem Facing the Country

Economy in general
Blue bar 30%
Unemployment/Jobs
Blue bar 20%
Dissatisfaction with government/Congress/politicians/Poor leadership/Corruption/Abuse of power
Blue bar 15%
Federal budget deficit/Federal debt
Blue bar 11%
Poor healthcare/hospitals/High cost of healthcare
Blue bar 5%
Lack of money
Blue bar 4%

Note: Top specific responses only shown.
Gallup Poll, [Nov, 2012]
1
2
3
4
Today's Number
20%
answered Increased when asked "Do you think taxes on the profits people make by selling stocks and bonds should be increased, decreased or kept about the same?"
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, [Feb, 2012]

iPOLL logoWhy Use iPOLL?

iPOLL is the premier research tool for national public opinion polls, with over half a million survey questions and answers over the last 70+ years by more than 150 U.S. survey organizations. Find out more...
Other Topics at a Glance:
Congressional Approval
Economy
Health Care
Immigration
Role of Government
Taxes
more topics...


Quick Dataset Search

RoperExpress logo Americans' Views On Taxes Survey [Feb, 2003]

RoperExpress logo General Social Survey 2006 [Mar, 2006]

RoperExpress logo NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll [Jan, 2003]

more datasets...