Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question

Should the wealthy pay more taxes?

Western societies have become more economically unequal, with a small minority holding the majority of the wealth while public services continue to decline. The back drop of austerity has made this inequality even starker, leading many to question whether the richest should be paying more to help fund public services?

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Yes, the wealthy should have to pay more in taxes

This position holds that the wealthy should pay more in taxes. It argues that higher taxes on the rich would reduce inequality, that the wealthy benefit most from the structure of society and so owe more back, and that there is a moral obligation to support the less privileged.

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No, the wealthy should not have to pay more tax

This position holds that the wealthy should not have to pay more tax. It argues it is unfair to punish people for their success, that the wealthy already pay their fair share and opt out of many public services, and that higher taxes discourage wealth creation and new jobs.