The New York Times reports that “economists across the political spectrum say a consumption tax may be inevitable once the economy fully recovers.”

One of the reasons cited by the newspaper is the lack of political will to cut spending, but implementing a national sales tax may be even more of a political challenge. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 24% of voters favor a national sales tax. Sixty-five percent (65%) are opposed.

When the idea is paired with health care reform, it does a bit better. Thirty-nine percent (39%) support a national sales tax to pay for the cost of health care reform, but a majority (52%) still remains opposed.

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A plurality, however, like the idea of replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax. Forty-four percent (44%) favor the idea, and 36% are opposed.

But the skepticism factor makes that trade-off a tough sell at best. Just 24% believe it is even somewhat likely that the government would actually reduce the income tax once the sales tax was implemented.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and John Podesta, co-chairman of President Obama’s transition team, have spoken favorably of a value added tax (VAT). The VAT is very similar to a national sales tax and has the same impact on the consumer. Most other countries around the world have a VAT, and it is considered one of the most efficient ways for a government to raise money.

The results from the new survey reflect little change in voter support for a national sales tax since October.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Democrats favor a national sales tax if it is used to pay for health care reform. However, just 31% of unaffiliated voters like the idea, and 75% of Republicans are opposed.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of Republicans like the idea of replacing the income tax with a national sales tax. Just 29% in the GOP base are opposed. Democrats and unaffiliated voters are more evenly divided.

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