Survey by the polling company for the 60 Plus Association

January 12, 2000

Question #1:  There is a provision in the federal tax code known as the estate tax, sometimes known as the "death tax".  This tax is on the estates of home or property owners after they die.  In order to pay for this tax bill, some sons and daughters have had to sell off the farms and small businesses they just inherited.

Would you be more or less likely to vote for your Member of Congress if they vote to ELIMINATE the estate tax?  (IF UNSURE, PROBE:)  Would you be leaning more likely or leaning less likely?

And, are you MUCH (MORE/LESS) LIKELY), or just SOMEWHAT (MORE/LESS) LIKELY.

Question #2:  I am now going to read to you two statements about the estate tax.  After I read each one, please tell me which comes closest to your view.

Voter 1 says that the estate tax is fair because it is on the very wealthy.  There is an exemption of $675,000 for the estates of home or property owners.  After that exemption, the estate is taxed at a rate beginning at 37% climbing up to 55%.  It is fair that the remaining part of the estate be taxed before it is passed on to inheritors who would benefit financially and might even divide it up.

Voter 2 says that the death tax is unfair because income taxes on the estate have already been paid during the life of the principal property owner while the estate was being accumulated.  Some of the items might have been taxed two or three times already.  It is unfair to tax it again.

Do you agree with Voter 1 or Voter 2? (IF UNSURE, PROBE:)  Would you be leaning toward Voter 1 or Voter 2?

And, do you STRONGLY agree with (VOTER 1/2) or just SOMEWHAT agree with (VOTER 1/2)?