Gallup: Americans’ Faith in Tax Fairness Near Historic Low

Only 46% say their federal income taxes are fair—just one point above the all-time low.

As tax season winds down, Americans are feeling more frustrated about taxes than they have in decades. According to a new Gallup poll conducted March 3–16, only 46% of U.S. adults say the federal income taxes they pay are fair. That’s just one point above the all-time low of 45% recorded in 1999. Half of Americans now say their taxes are not fair.

Public perception of tax fairness has shifted over time. During World War II, as many as 90% of Americans felt their taxes were fair. In the early 2000s, that number was in the 60s. But it has dropped steadily in recent years, staying below the majority level since 2023.

The Gallup survey found that 59% of Americans say they pay too much in federal income taxes, one of the highest levels in the past two decades. Just 38% say they pay about the right amount, while only 2% think they pay too little. These numbers reflect a long-term trend—Gallup has recorded similar complaints about high taxes dating back to the 1950s.

Party affiliation plays a major role in how people view their taxes. Among Democrats, 62% say their taxes are fair. That drops to 45% for independents and just 35% for Republicans. Similarly, 71% of Republicans and 63% of independents say they pay too much, compared to 39% of Democrats.

Income level doesn’t appear to change how people feel. Whether they earn less than $50,000, between $50,000–$100,000, or more than $100,000, Americans report similar levels of dissatisfaction.

More Americans than ever say lower-income people are taxed too heavily. A record-high 58% say lower-income earners pay too much, up from 50% last year and 41% in 2014. Only 30% say they pay their fair share, and 10% say they pay too little.

The majority also believes middle-income people are overtaxed—54% say they pay too much, while 40% believe they pay a fair share.

When it comes to upper-income earners, most Americans—58%—say they pay too little in federal income taxes. Only 28% say they pay a fair share, and 12% say they pay too much.

Corporations face even greater skepticism. 70% of Americans say corporations pay too little in taxes. Only 21% say they pay a fair share, and 7% believe they pay too much.

Republicans are more likely to believe that upper-income individuals and corporations already pay enough. In fact, 48% of Republicans say upper-income earners pay their fair share, compared to just 26% of independents and 10% of Democrats. On corporate taxes, 36% of Republicans say corporations pay their fair share, compared to 21% of independents and just 2% of Democrats.

These results come at a critical time. The 2017 federal income tax cuts are set to expire this year. Whether those cuts are extended—or replaced—may depend on how lawmakers respond to public opinion. But as of now, the message from voters is clear: most Americans feel the current tax system just isn’t working for them.

Survey Details:
This Gallup poll was conducted March 3–16, 2025, with a random sample of 1,002 adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The margin of error is ±4 percentage points. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish using both landline and cell phone interviews. Results are weighted to match U.S. demographic and political benchmarks.