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Majority in U.S. Say Taxes Are Too High and Tax Code Is Too Complex

70 percent of Democrats want members of Congress to work in a bipartisan way to get tax reform done

The IRS building
The IRS building / Getty Images
August 20, 2017

A majority of Americans say that taxes are too high and the tax code is too complex, according to a poll from the American Action Network.

The Trump administration and Congress are shifting their focus to tax reform and poll findings show that Americans support a redesign of the tax code that lowers rates and makes it more simple and fair.

"It's clear that Americans, regardless of ideology, widely support fixing our broken tax system," said Corry Bliss, director of the network. "Americans recognize the positive impact a tax code with lower rates would have on working families and small businesses competing with other countries like China."

A majority of all Americans, 57 percent, believe that the tax code needs to be overhauled or revamped in a major way. Another 62 percent of Republicans and 46 percent of Democrats say that their taxes are too high.

Ninety percent of Americans say that the personal income tax system is either very or somewhat complex and 60 percent of respondents say that they would rather a flatter and simpler tax code than one that increases taxes on the wealthiest and is more progressive.

A majority of Democrats, 70 percent, say they want members of Congress to work across the aisle in a bipartisan fashion to get tax reform done.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents believe that tax reform will impact them positively whether it be through economic growth, increasing jobs, or helping out their own finances.

"Whether in California or Nebraska, Americans strongly recognize our outdated and uncompetitive tax code has left middle-class families behind," said Bliss. "These results send a loud warning that those looking to stand in the way of tax reform will pay a significant price."

"Congress must capitalize on this opportunity to deliver meaningful tax reform that will create more jobs, cuts taxes for working families, and empowers job creators to compete with countries like China," he said. "To succeed and enable growth for all, every member of Congress must prioritize reform that lowers rates, eliminates loopholes and puts American workers and job creators first."

Published under: Taxes