Though Barack Obama became president-elect just one day ago, 38% of voters already expect taxes to go up when he assumes the White House next year.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 29% think taxes will stay about the same, while 22% say taxes will go down. Twelve percent (12%) aren't sure.

The latest results aren’t too surprising considering the plurality of voters assumed taxes would increase under Obama in every survey conducted before he was elected [link to trends]. However, this is the first time the percentage has fallen below 40%. Prior to Election Day, the percentage of voters who believed taxes would rise under the Democrat ranged from 40% to 54%. Most voters assumed taxes would stay about the same under a John McCain administration.

The driving force behind voter expectations of a tax increase is that most believe Obama will increase government spending when he assumes office. Fifty-four percent of voters (54%) say this is true, while just 23% say government spending will stay the same and 16% say it will go down. Seven percent (7%) are undecided.

Obama defeated McCain 52% to 46% on Election Day, and Democrats grew their majority control of both the Senate and the House.

Forty percent (40%) of U.S. voters Strongly Approve of the way that Obama is handling his new role as president-elect. Thirty-two percent (32%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a net rating of eight on the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Approval Index.

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Just 17% of Democrats say taxes will go up in an Obama administration, compared to 61% of Republicans and 41% of unaffiliated voters. Men also are more convinced than women that they will be paying more taxes under Obama.

While 39% of white voters say their taxes will increase, the same number of black voters say theirs will decrease.

Nearly all Republicans (85%) say government spending will increase when Obama is president, while just 28% of Democrats agree. Over half (56%) of unaffiliated voters say government spending will rise.

Just 30% of black voters think Obama will increase federal spending, along with 58% of white voters.

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