New National Survey: Majority of Voters Support Overhaul of Federal Tax System, Including Eliminating the Income Tax and IRS

CLEARWATER, Fla., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly released national survey of 1,200 registered voters reveals a bipartisan majority including Republicans (69%), Democrats (52%) and Independents (51%) support the idea of replacing the current tax system with a national sales tax. Also, 50% of voters surveyed support the elimination of the IRS.

Conducted by Quantus Insights and commissioned by the National Tax Research Committee, the poll suggests that Americans, particularly younger and working-class voters, are increasingly open to bold structural changes in how the federal government collects revenue.

At a time of continued economic uncertainty and public dissatisfaction with federal institutions, 58 percent of voters say they would support a national consumption tax that allows workers to keep 100% of their paycheck. This proposal, central to the FAIRtax plan (H.R. 25), envisions eliminating income, payroll, corporate, capital gains, and estate taxes, and replacing them with a single, visible sales tax applied at the point of retail purchase. While long discussed in academic and policy circles, the FAIRtax concept appears to be gaining traction with the public.

The survey finds that support for abolishing the IRS is equally notable. Exactly half of all respondents endorse the idea, with enthusiasm especially strong among voters under the age of 30, where support rises to 60 percent. Working-class voters without college degrees also express above-average support, indicating that the appetite for reform is not confined to any one ideological segment.

While the divide between Republican and Democratic voters is pronounced—nearly two-thirds of Republicans favor eliminating the IRS, compared to just over one-third of Democrats—the presence of bipartisan openness to reform is striking. Even among Democrats, 36 percent say they would support such a move, suggesting that the idea has moved beyond the fringes of policy debate.

However, support is not without reservations. Concerns over fairness and affordability remain high, particularly among older Americans, women, Democrats, and voters with postgraduate degrees. Many worry that a national sales tax could increase prices or fall disproportionately on low-income households, despite the inclusion of a monthly rebate in the FAIRtax proposal intended to offset taxes on basic necessities. These concerns suggest that while Americans are open to change, they are also seeking assurance that any new system would be implemented equitably.

When asked more broadly which type of tax system they believed was fairest and most effective, voters were divided. While 28 percent favored a national sales tax—the single most selected option—others expressed preference for a hybrid system combining income and sales taxes (18 percent), a flat income tax (17 percent), or the current system (14 percent). Notably, 24 percent said they were unsure, underscoring both the complexity of the issue and a general lack of confidence in existing models.

Awareness of the FAIRtax Act remains relatively low. Only one in four voters had heard of the proposal prior to the survey, with knowledge highest among middle-aged and Black voters. However, once respondents were provided with a basic explanation of the plan, support levels rose significantly - indicating that the concept may have substantial room to grow with increased public education.

Perhaps the most resonant element of the FAIRtax framework is its simplicity. The idea of "keeping 100% of your paycheck" stood out across all demographics, with nearly 60 percent of voters identifying it as the most appealing feature. In contrast, more abstract components—like dismantling the IRS or receiving a monthly prebate—received more mixed reactions. For many, the emotional and financial appeal of retaining their full earnings outweighed concerns about the structure itself.

This is not yet a populist uprising against the income tax, but it may represent the early stages of a profound shift in public opinion. Across age, education, race, and political affiliation, Americans are showing signs of fatigue with the complexity, opacity, and perceived unfairness of the current system.

"The fact that the majority are willing to support a national sales tax to replace the current system and half are willing to see the IRS abolished should be a sign that change is on the horizon, while policy-makers can take note that public opinion for both ideas is significant."  Steve Hayes, President & Chairman – Americans for Fair Taxation.

Survey Methodology:
The poll was conducted by Quantus Insights from May 30 to June 5, 2025. The sample includes 1,200 registered voters nationwide, surveyed via a combination of online (900) and SMS (300) outreach. The margin of error is ±2.8%. To view the complete survey with slides and crosstabs and questionnaire use these links. [Slides with graphs] [Crosstabs with questionnaire].

Contact:
Steve Hayes
[email protected]
727-238-5754

SOURCE National Tax Research Committee