As tax season winds down, a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that a solid plurality of Americans believe they are paying more than their fair share of the tax burden.

Half (50%) of American adults believe that those who earn twice as much as they do pay less than twice as much in taxes. Just 7% believe that those who earn more pay more than their pro rata share while 19% believe that those who earn twice as much pay twice as much. Twenty-four percent (24%) are not sure. Middle income Americans are most likely to think that they are paying more than their share (see crosstabs).

But, it’s not just looking up the income ladder that makes people believe they are overpaying their taxes.

Forty percent (40%) believe that those who earn half as much as they do pay less than half as much in taxes. Twenty percent (20%) believe that those who earn less pay their pro rata share while 17% say those who earn half as much pay more than half as much.

Earlier surveys show that Americans tend to believe that, when all taxes are added together, people should pay a roughly equal share of their income in taxes.

It’s not just the amount of taxes paid that causes people aggravation. A 2006 Rasmussen Reports survey found that 46% of Americans believe filling out their income tax paperwork is worse than going to the dentist.

A Discover Card Small Business Watch survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports found that “Nearly two out of five business owners struggle with finding and organizing tax documentation,” according to Sastry Rachakonda, director of Discover’s small business card. In fact, the survey found that the biggest advantage of hiring tax professionals – according to both small business owners and consumers – is having them handle paperwork. That was even deemed more important than finding more deductions.

With one week to go in the 2007 tax filing season, 62% of American adults say they’ve already filed their taxes. Fifty-one percent (51%) expect a refund, 22% expect to owe some money, and 19% expect to break even when they file.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.