Most Americans Say the Rich Aren’t Taxed Enough

Tax season is here and more than two-thirds of Americans think the wealthy pay too little in federal dues, according to a new poll. What’s more, six in 10 say the middle class pays too much.

The Associated Press-GfK poll, which comes in the wake of President Barack Obama’s proposals in his 2016 budget to raise investment taxes on high-income American families, found overall that 56% of respondents think their own federal taxes are too steep.

It also found widespread support for specific tax-raising measures: A bid to raise capital gains taxes on households with incomes greater than $500,000 saw support at 56%, while only 16% opposed it. And a new tax on banks was supported by 47%, while only 13% opposed it.

The estate tax did not fare as well. Thirty-six percent opposed what would require estates to pay taxes on inherited assets, while 27% approved. Despite the poll’s apparent show of support for the President’s proposals, none are expected to win the support of the Republican-controlled Congress.

[AP]