Beyond the Tax-the-Rich Narrative: How Italians Consider Taxing Wealth

Abstract

This article examines public attitudes toward wealth taxation in Italy, drawing on a survey of 2400 individuals conducted in 2021. Moving beyond the conventional “tax-the-rich” narrative, it investigates people's views on wealth taxes as a potential alternative to income and consumption taxation. The analysis exploresthe role of self-interest, personal beliefs, and political orientation, and shows that support for wealth taxes does not necessarily stem from redistributive motives, but may also express a preference for a less intrusive tax system with moderate progressivity, an approach aligned with classical–liberal principles. Respondents prefer wealth taxes to consumption taxes. Notably, many support a proposal to replace all existing taxes with a single wealth tax. However, concerns emerge regarding potential increases in the overall tax burden and the inclusion of primary residences in the tax base. Contrary to expectations, political orientation plays a limited role in shaping attitudes, although an interaction effect between political views and economic status is observed. The earmarking of tax revenues does not significantly influence preferences.