Many surveys have shown that Americans favor higher taxes for the wealthy. But when asked to choose actual income tax rates for rich people, 75 percent of likely voters in
a poll from The Hill specified a rate lower than the current 35 percent.
And a bare majority of that 75 percent chooses a rate of 20 percent or below for families earning more than $250,000.
Here’s how the numbers shake out:
— 21 percent of respondents recommend a rate below 20 percent;
— 17 percent recommend a rate of 20 percent;
— 23 percent recommend a 25 percent rate;
— 14 percent recommend a 30 percent rate;
— 13 percent recommend a 35 percent rate;
— 4 percent recommend a 40 percent rate;
— no one recommends a 45 percent rate.
President Barack Obama seeks a rate of about 40 percent starting next year.
A 73 percent majority of likely voters also favors a lower top rate for corporate income taxes. The ceiling is now 35 percent. Here's how these numbers shake out:
— 17 percent of respondents favor a top rate of less than 20 percent;
— 14 percent favor a 20 percent top rate;
— 25 percent favor a 25 percent rate;
— 17 percent favor a 30 percent rate;
— 11 percent favor a 35 percent rate;
— 4 percent favor a 40 percent rate;
— 1 percent favor a 45 percent rate;
— 5 percent favor a rate above 45 percent.
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