Public attitudes to a wealth tax: the importance of ‘capacity to pay’

In this paper, we present findings from the first ever study, to our knowledge, focus in detail on public attitudes an annual wealth tax. We start with a brief review of relevant recent studies before outlining mixed methods used, which involved nationally representative survey 2,243 members general and four groups conducted during summer 2020. The study aimed measure, explore explain overall levels support for tax compared other taxes, arguments against tax, opinions particular design such Key include high base financial investments property (after excluding main home). most popular rate/threshold combination is be levied at rate least 1 per cent over £500,000. Support appears driven by rational self-interest beliefs about fairness but, particular, are keen focused those capacity contribute most.