Democrats, Republicans Disagree over Fair Tax

The latest poll from Rasmussen takes a look at what the American voters would think a fair tax situation would be. And as is to be expected, the opinions vary from Democrats to Republicans. One thing most of the voters agree on though and that is with the issue of taxes, they are very skeptical when looking at candidates' promises.

A majority of the Democrats, 53% say that a fair tax system would be one that would have those with a higher income paying a higher percentage in income taxes and 34% think everyone should pay the same percentage.

Republicans, on the other hand, have 66% who say that everyone should pay the same rate and 34% who say those who make more, should pay more.

When they look at the total picture, without the partisan approach, 48% of all voters think everyone should pay the same and 40% think it should be even.

They also asked the respondents how they thought the system in place now actually works. Of the Democrats in the poll, 53% believe that those who earn $50,000 or more a year pay a larger percentage than someone making $200,000 a year and 28% believe the opposite. Republicans are just the opposite with 50% believing those making $200,000 or more pay a larger percentage in taxes and 30% believe it is the ones in the $50,000 bracket who pay more.

The Democratic Presidential Candidates favor raising taxes on those earning $200,000 a year or more in order to give tax breaks to those in the lower and middle income brackets. The Democratic Respondents agree by 75% to 15%, While the Republicans are opposed by 56% to 34%.

Politicians have a long way to go if they want to have the confidence of the American voters on the tax issue. This is one time voters, no matter what party they belong to, come close to agreement on, at least a majority of each party think the same way. When asked what would happen if a politician promises to raise taxes only on the wealthy, 76% believe that taxes will go up on the middle class. Break that down by parties and 85% of Republicans, 76% of Democrats and 63% of independents feel this way.