Tuesday, January 11, 2011

IRS Releases 2010 Taxpayer Attitude Survey

Yesterday the IRS Oversight Board released the results of its most recent Taxpayer Attitude Survey. There were 1,000 respondents, and here are some of the most interesting findings.

How much, if any, do you think is an acceptable amount to cheat on your income taxes?
A little here and there, 8% (down 1 percentage point from last year).

How important is it to you, as a taxpayer, that the IRS does each of the following to ensure that all taxpayers honestly pay what they owe:

    Ensures high-income taxpayers are reporting and paying their taxes honestly? Very important, 78% (all-time low, down 5%)
    Ensures small businesses are reporting and paying their taxes honestly? Very important, 73% (down 3%)

How much influence does each of the following factors have on whether you report and pay your taxes honestly –

Fear of an audit? Great deal of influence, 35% (down 4%)

    Belief that your neighbors are reporting and paying honestly? Great deal of influence, 21% (up 4%)

Hat tip TaxProf Blog

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