Business

76% Favor Maximum Tax Payment of 20%

Nearly half of U.S. voters still think the average person in this country pays 30% or more of their income in taxes, and instead they believe overwhelmingly that the ceiling for those taxes should be 20% at the most.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 30%% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that the average American pays 30% of their income for federal, state and local taxes. That is a fairly good estimate. According to www.taxfoundation.org, Americans pay approximately 28% of their total income in taxes.

Fifteen percent (15%) overestimate how much the average American pays and believe the actual tax paid is 40% or more.

Three times as many, 47%, underestimate the tax burden and believe the average American pays 20% or less of their income in taxes. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

33% Think Employers Have Right to Fire Those Who Post Inappropriate Facebook Content

Some companies and colleges are requiring applicants to provide full access to their Facebook pages, and most Americans don’t like the idea. However, one-in-three think it's okay for employers to fire workers who post inappropriate content on the social networking site.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 19% believe it would be appropriate for a potential employer to ask for access to their Facebook page as part of the hiring process. Most (69%) don’t believe this is appropriate, while 12% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 8-9, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

52% Worry Government Will Do Too Much Trying To Help Economy

Amidst signs the economy is reviving at least slightly, most voters now fear the government may mess things up by getting too involved.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now worry the federal government will do too much in reacting to the nation’s current economic problems. Thirty-six percent (36%) are more concerned that the government will not do enough. Twelve percent (12%) now are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on March 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% Think America Is Overtaxed

Most voters still say this country is overtaxed, and half think any federal tax increase should be submitted to the public for a vote.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters believe America is overtaxed. But that’s down from 66% two years ago and 64% last year. One-out-of-three (33%) now believe the country is not overtaxed, while another 12% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

43% Expect To Earn More Money A Year From Now

An increasing number of working Americans expect to earn more money a year from now.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Employed Adults think they will be earning more money a year from today, up from an all-time low of 30% in January and the highest level measured since November 2010.  Thirteen percent (13%) believe they will earn less in a year’s time, while 38% expect to be making about the same amount. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 606 Employed Adults was conducted on March 2-3, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% See Current Company As Best Chance For Advancement

Slightly fewer working Americans feel their best opportunity for career advancement is to stay put, and a few more are searching for work outside of their current company.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Employed Adults say they have a better opportunity for career advancement by staying within their current company.  That’s down from 47% in early January and the lowest level measured since July of last year.  Thirty-three percent (33%) feel going to work for someone else gives them more opportunity to get ahead. Twenty-five percent (25%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 606 Employed Adults was conducted on March 2-3, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% See U.S. Debt Default As Somewhat Likely

Looking overseas at the catastrophic economic problems plaguing Greece and other European nations, a sizable number of Americans still think the United States is also a candidate for default in the near future. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of American Adults believe it is at least somewhat likely that the U.S. government will default on its debt in the next five years. Forty-eight percent (48%) now rate a national debt default as unlikely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on February 29 - March 1, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Rasmussen Employment Index Hits Highest Level Since 2008 Financial Crisis

The Rasmussen Employment Index, which measures workers’ perceptions of the labor market each month, jumped seven points in February to its highest level since September 2008. At 87.7, the index is up 11 points from three months ago and nine points from a year ago. The Employment Index is also nearly four points higher than the level measured in November 2010, which represented the peak of the post-bailout era. Worker confidence is less than half-a-point below the level measured just before the financial sector meltdown in late 2008.

13% Say U.S. Should Take Bigger Role Helping European Economy

More Americans than ever expect one of the financially troubled European countries to default on its debt in the near future, but few believe the United States should step up its efforts to help the situation. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 75% believe it is at least somewhat likely that that one of the economically troubled European countries like Greece, Ireland, Portugal or Spain will default on its debt in the next five years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on February 29 - March 1, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

24% Owe More on Their Credit Cards Now Than A Year Ago

One-in-four credit cardholders owes more money now than they did a year ago, but the number who’ve missed a payment hasn’t increased over the past year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of Americans who have at least one credit card say they owe more than they did 12 months ago, but 42% say they owe less now. Thirty-two percent (32%) say their level of debt is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 27-28, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 27% Think Government Management Helps Economy

A major partisan divide exists over whether government efforts to manage the economy do more harm than good. Overall, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 27% of American Adults believe government management helps the economy, while 50% think it hurts. Six percent (6%) say it has no impact, and 17% are not sure. (see question wording)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.  

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 25-26, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

64% Think Budget Cuts Should Be Considered in Every Government Program

Most voters continue to believe that no government program should be exempt when it comes to budget cuts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of Likely U.S. Voters say thoughtful spending cuts should be considered in every program of the federal government as the nation searches for solutions to the federal budget crises. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, and 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Say Free Market Competition Better Than Regulations At Controlling Gas Prices

Most Americans don’t believe rising gas prices reflect actual market conditions, but a majority says free market competition is better than government regulations at keeping prices down.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 24% think rising gas prices accurately reflect market conditions. Sixty-seven percent (67%) believe oil companies use bad news to gouge customers. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 23-24, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

63% Believe Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil More Important Than Low Gas Prices

Americans continue to believe strongly than the country needs to lessen its dependence on foreign oil. They tend to think that free market solutions are the best way to achieve that goal. 

Sixty-three percent (63%) of American Adults agree that reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil is more important that reducing the price of gasoline. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only half that many (32%) rate reducing the price of gasoline as more important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 23-24, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

33% Favor Letting People Buy Homes With No Money Down

Though most Americans continue to believe the federal government should only back mortgages for those who can repay them, one-out-of-three thinks letting people buy homes with no money down is good for the housing market.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that a majority (55%) thinks it is better for the housing market to require a 20% down payment from people buying a home rather than letting people buy homes with no money down. Thirty-three percent (33%) say it's better to let people buy homes without a down payment. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 25-26, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

55% Think Gas Could Top $5 A Gallon

Most Americans think gas will top $4 a gallon in the next few months and most think $5 a gallon is possible. Government regulations and unrest in the Middle East are seen as the chief culprits.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults think it is at least somewhat likely that the price of gas will rise above $5 a gallon in the next few months. Thirty-eight percent (38%) view that as unlikely. This includes 24% who believe the gas hike is Very Likely and 12% who say it is Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 21-22, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

33% Have Filed Their Income Taxes Already

Americans are a little more enthusiastic about paying their income taxes than they have been in the last couple of years.

Thirty-three percent (33%) of American Adults say they’ve paid their income taxes already with two months to go until the deadline, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. 

This marks an increase in early filers from last year’s 29% and 2010’s 30%.  The new findings match those in February 2009 but remain well below the 43% who filed by early March 2008, just months before the Wall Street meltdown.

Eighty-eight percent (88%) of adults expect to file their taxes by the April 15 deadline, same as last year but down from 94% in 2010. Seven percent (7%) will seek an extension, and five percent (5%) more are undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 19-20, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

53% Believe Home Worth More Than Purchase Price, Down 27 Points from 2008

The number of homeowners who think their home is worth more than they paid for it remains low.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. homeowners finds that 53% believe their home is worth more money than when they bought it. That’s little changed since December.  But it's down nine points from October, and down 27 points since June 2008.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 706 Adult Homeowners was conducted on February 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

57% Say Home Worth More Than What They Still Owe

Amidst reports that sales of new and existing houses were up in January, confidence among homeowners that the value of their home will increase in the next five years is at its highest level in over a year, as is the number who believe their house is worth more than what they still owe on it. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Adult Homeowners think the value of their home is worth more than their mortgage.  That finding is up slightly from mid-January, but is at the highest level measured since early January of last year. Since then, this figure has generally remained in the high 40s to low 50s. 

Nearly one-in-three homeowners (32%) don’t believe their home is worth more than what they owe on their mortgage. Another 11% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 706 Adult Homeowners was conducted on February 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Say Driving Is Something They Really Enjoy

Americans have grown a little fonder of driving over the years, but a sizable number still says it's strictly for getting around.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 46% of American Adults view driving a car as something they really enjoy rather than just something they have to do to get from one place to another. That’s up from 43% a year ago and 39% the year before.

But 50% still see driving as primarily a way to get from one place to another. This finding is little changed from last year but is down from 56% in 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.