The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 65% of Likely Voters oppose an increase in the Capital Gains tax. Just 16% favor an increase, while a fifth of voters are not sure (see Scott Rasmussen’s video report).

Eighty-five percent of Republicans oppose an increase in the capital gains tax along with 50% of Democrats and 62% of those not affiliated with either major party.

Fifty-two percent (52%) believe hiking the capital gains tax would hurt the economy. Just 17% say it would help the economy while 18% say it would have no impact. Republicans overwhelmingly believe raising this tax would harm the economy along with a plurality of Democrats.

Most voters, 56%, own at least $5,000 worth of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds and would be directly impacted by an increase in the capital gains tax. Not surprisingly, 71% of these investors are opposed to a capital gains tax increase.

As always, voters are skeptical when they hear politicians talk about taxes. Most (60%) believe that if a candidate promises to increase the capital gains tax, that candidate would increase other taxes as well. Just 13% of voters disagree.

In addition, if the capital gains tax was increased, 48% say their own taxes would go up. Just 24% are confident their personal taxes would not be higher.

Barack Obama has indicated he might support raising the capital gains tax from 15% to 28%. More voters trust John McCain more than Barack Obama when it comes to the economy.

Hillary Clinton has said she would consider raising the capital gains tax from 15% to 20%.

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