Should all citizens' tax returns be open to public inspection?

Poll results

Should all citizens' tax returns be open to public inspection?
Support
Reject
Don't know
19%
75%
6%
PolitPro Community – 3209 respondents – 27.07.2023-03.08.2023

Poll information

Should all citizens' tax returns be open to public inspection? 19% voted for public access to tax returns, 75% voted against.

6% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3209 users of the PolitPro app during 27.07.2023-03.08.2023. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.

Pros - What's in favor?

  1. Transparency and trust: Making tax returns publicly viewable could lead to greater transparency and increase citizens' trust in the tax system. By making tax data available to everyone, potential abuses or injustices can be better identified and addressed. This would lead to a fairer and more equitable tax system.
  2. Control of tax evasion and corruption: By allowing citizens to view their tax returns, tax evasion and corruption could be better detected and fought. If tax payments are public, it would deter potential tax evaders and encourage compliance with tax laws. It would also help hold accountable those who try to hide their assets or take advantage of unwarranted tax benefits.
  3. Promote the common good and equity: making tax returns publicly available for inspection could help improve the allocation of resources in the interest of the common good. It would allow citizens to better understand how their tax dollars are being used and whether they are being used fairly and effectively. This would also promote greater equity, as wealthy taxpayers would not be able to hide their assets from the public, making potential tax avoidance practices more difficult.

Cons - What's against it?

  1. Privacy protection: making tax returns publicly viewable would be a significant intrusion into citizens' privacy. Financial information is personal and should not be made available to the public without the consent of the individuals concerned. Making tax returns public could lead to stigma, discrimination, and the misuse of personal information.
  2. Security Risks and Identity Theft: The release of tax returns could pose an increased risk of security breaches and identity theft. Financial information is extremely sensitive and could be misused by criminal elements. Protecting citizens' personal information should be a priority to ensure their well-being and security.
  3. Complexity and misunderstandings: Tax returns are often complex and difficult to understand for individuals who are not experts in the field. Public visibility could lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. People could draw wrong conclusions or misinterpret information, which could lead to unwarranted prejudice or social unrest.