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April 13, 2015 at 12:51 PM
The American public considers the federal tax system deeply flawed.
Fifty-nine percent say “there is so much wrong with the federal tax system that Congress should completely change it,” according to Pew Research survey results.
Just 38% think the system “works pretty well,” requiring “only minor changes.” These opinions have changed little since 2011, Pew said.
On Friday, Pew Research released its latest summary of how Americans view the tax system.
Gripes
Americans’ biggest complaint about the tax system concerns those they perceive as not paying their fair share.
Sixty-four percent claim to be bothered a lot by the feeling that some corporations are not paying what is fair in federal taxes, and 61% feel the same about some rich people.
However, only 20% feel strongly that some poor people do not pay their fair share.
Forty-four percent say the tax system’s complexity bothers them a lot.
Pew found that Democrats were likelier to complain about corporations and rich people not paying their share, while Republicans were more annoyed by the system’s complexity, the amount they have to pay and some poor people not paying enough.
About the Right Amount
Fifty-three percent of Americans say they pay about the right amount in tax, considering what they receive from the federal government. Forty percent complain that they pay too much.
Unsurprisingly, only 4% say they pay less than their fair share.
