The estate tax is a tax that is levied on all property that is declared in a deceased person’s will. The tax is also known as the “inheritance tax” or “death tax.” In 2016, the estate tax rate is 40% and only applies to estates with a value greater than $5.45 million. In 2015 5,300 estates in the U.S. were subject to the tax and paid $18.4 billion in taxes. Proponents of the tax, including Hillary Clinton, argue that more estates should be subject to the tax and the threshold should be lowered from $5.45 million to $3.5 million. Opponents of the tax, including Donald Trump, argue that people who have paid income taxes their entire life should not be subject to another tax when they die.
56% Yes |
44% No |
48% Yes |
36% No |
8% Yes, and we should eliminate it |
5% No, I am satisfied with the current rate |
2% No, and increase it at a progressive rate |
See how support for each position on “Estate Tax” has changed over time for 217k America voters.
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See how importance of “Estate Tax” has changed over time for 217k America voters.
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Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@8NK6PJ64yrs4Y
Not sufficiently well-informed to make a judgement.
@9846DX42yrs2Y
No, not until we reduce our national deficit
@8XLR4JX 10mos10MO
No, it should mirror a progressive tax equivalent to both the deceased and the inheritant’s respective incomes.
@99KDT6P1yr1Y
No, and abolish most inheritance
@988NN372yrs2Y
Yes, and replace it with a land value tax
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