ABOUT THOSE TAXES. . .

April 29, 1997

Nearly 85% of respondents to our latest Business Week Online poll said they oppose a special tax that would fund Internet infrastructure. And nearly 75% said they paid more in taxes for the year 1996 than in 1995.

Those were just two of the findings from a BW survey posted just after the Apr. 15 income tax deadline. In it, dozens of you sounded off on the Tax Man.

The full text of the survey follows below, with results listed to the right of each choice.

Remember, this isn't a scientific poll. It just measured the opinions of those who choose to answer. Look here often for new surveys to register your opinions...then check back to see how your opinions register!

1. Compared to last year's taxes, I owed:

74.2% -- More in taxes
6.5% -- Less in taxes
19.4% -- The same amount
0.0% -- I didn't pay taxes last year
0.0% -- Don't know

2. Compared to the last five years, I feel my tax dollars are now being spent:

6.5% -- Better than before
41.9% -- Worse than before
45.2% -- About the same as before
6.5% -- Don't know

3. My income taxes are most unfair:

74.2% -- At the federal level
6.5% -- At the state level
12.9% -- At the city level
3.2% -- At the school district/township level
3.2% -- No answer

4. Agree or disagree? To help pay for the cost of phone lines and new infrastructure, should there be a special tax on Internet use?

6.5% -- Yes
83.9% -- No
9.7% -- Undecided

Edited by Dennis Berman