Fiscal policy preferences: Evidence from conjoint experiments in Poland

Abstract

The paper examines public preferences for fiscal policy in Poland using two complementary Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) experiments on a representative sample of Polish adults. The first experiment – the expenditure conjoint – tests whether and how much respondents are willing to pay in higher taxes to secure additional public services in several crucial domains. The second experiment – the tax conjoint – follows up on these findings by asking how citizens would prefer to pay, testing support for alternative tax solutions. Each proposed tax package is budget neutral, but varies in how burdens are distributed, allowing for an assessment of progressive versus regressive preferences. The study finds support for increased government spending in key policy areas (defense, health, education, and pensions), accompanied by a willingness to finance these expansions through higher taxes. Despite the conventional view of Poland as tax-averse, many respondents appear willing to accept higher taxes if they perceive tangible returns. The results show also a clear preference for tax solutions that shift the burden toward better-off individuals and enhance tax progression. Overall, these findings suggest that, even in tax-skeptical contexts, public preferences can align in favor of higher taxes when benefits are clearly communicated and fairness concerns are addressed.