Sixty-two percent (62%) of American voters believe that raising taxes next year will hurt the economy. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 17% believe that tax hikes will help the economy. Another 14% say raising taxes will have no impact.

The survey also found that 42% believe cutting taxes again next year will help the economy. Only 32% believe further tax cuts will harm the economy.

Looking back, 39% of voters say that the Bush tax cuts helped the economy; 33% say they hurt; and, 22% say they had no impact.

There are strong partisan differences on this question. Republicans overwhelmingly believe that the tax cuts helped the economy. Most Democrats believe the tax cuts hurt. Those not affiliated with either major party are evenly divided.

The survey of 1,500 Likely Voters also found that most voters (54%) believe their taxes will stay about the same if Bush is re-elected. Twenty-four percent (24%) believe that their own taxes will go down with a Bush victory while 12% think their taxes will go up.

On the other hand, if Senator Kerry wins, 43% of American voters believe their taxes will go up; 37% believe their taxes will remain about the same; and, 9% believe a Kerry victory will lower their taxes.

Among voters not affiliated with either major political party, 40% believe a Kerry victory will lead to higher taxes. Twenty-six percent (26%) believe a Bush victory will do the same.