Rowlingson, Karen orcid.org/0000-0002-3541-6466, Sood, Amrita and Tu, Trinh (2021) Public attitudes to a wealth tax:the importance of 'capacity to pay'. Fiscal Studies. pp. 431-455. ISSN 1475-5890
Abstract
In this paper, we present findings from the first ever study, to our knowledge, to focus in detail on public attitudes to an annual wealth tax. We start with a brief review of relevant recent studies before outlining the mixed methods used, which involved a nationally representative survey of 2,243 members of the general public and four focus groups conducted during the summer of 2020. The study aimed to measure, explore and explain the overall levels of support for a wealth tax compared with other taxes, the arguments for and against a wealth tax, and opinions on the particular design of such a tax. Key findings include high levels of public support for a wealth tax compared with other taxes, and support for the base of the tax to include financial investments and property wealth (after excluding the main home). The most popular rate/threshold combination is for the tax to be levied at a rate of at least 1 per cent over £500,000. Support for the tax appears to be driven by a combination of rational self-interest and beliefs about fairness but, in particular, the public are keen for the tax to be focused on those with capacity to contribute the most.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 The Authors |
Keywords: | public attitudes,tax attitudes,wealth taxation,wealth taxes |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 25 Nov 2022 09:30 |
Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2024 18:53 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-5890.12282 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/1475-5890.12282 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:193762 |
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Description: Fiscal Studies - 2021 - Rowlingson - Public attitudes to a wealth tax the importance of capacity to pay
Licence: CC-BY 2.5