Public Opinion on Federal Tax System, Personal Tax Burden, and Views on Tax Rates for High Earners and Corporations

The majority of Americans view the federal tax system as unfair, with about six-in-ten describing it as either not too fair or not at all fair. While overall views of the tax system are similar across levels of family income, there are significant differences by party affiliation. Democrats are more critical of the fairness of the tax system, with about 71% describing it as not too fair or not at all fair, compared to just 48% of Republicans.

When it comes to personal tax burdens, about half of adults feel they pay more than their fair share in taxes, while fewer believe they pay the right amount or less than their fair share. Interestingly, while Republicans have more positive views of the federal tax system, they are more critical of their own tax burden compared to Democrats.

There are also differences in views on tax rates for high earners and corporations. Overall, 58% of the public believes that tax rates on household income over $250,000 should be raised, with Democrats more likely to support this compared to Republicans. Similarly, there is broad support for raising taxes on large businesses and corporations, with Democrats more in favor of this compared to Republicans.

Additionally, the public sees the decline in unions as bad for the country, with Democrats more likely to view this negatively compared to Republicans. Views on stricter environmental laws and climate change also show a partisan divide, with Democrats more supportive of stricter regulations compared to Republicans.

Overall, there are clear ideological differences within both parties on various policy issues such as gun control and health coverage. These findings highlight the deep divides in public opinion on key political and economic issues in the United States.