A vast survey on Public services seen by the French and users underlines that individuals prefer their improvement rather than a reduction in the tax burden likely to reduce the quality of the public service. Explanations.
Are the French fed up with taxes? Not so sure. This is one of the lessons of the 23rd edition (1) of barometer of the Paul Delouvrier Institute on Public services seen by the French and users publish on Monday.
This vast survey carried out among 2,500 people asked them in particular which of the following two options to choose: improve the services provided by public services even if it means increasing the level of taxes and levies or reducing the level of taxes and levies even if it means reducing the services provided by public services. Well, for the fourth consecutive year, the proportion of French people who favor the first solution (50%) is higher than those who prefer the second (46%). The evolution over the last few years is clear. In 2013, only 31% of French people pleaded for an improvement in the services provided by public services even if it meant increasing the level of taxes and 63% were in favor of a reduction in taxation even if it meant reducing the services provided by public services.
A still strong political divide
The political split between left and right in this area remains strong, but less so than in previous years. In particular, the preference of right-wing sympathizers for lower taxes is less marked than before, underline the authors of this barometer.
However, a third solution is preferred by the people questioned. 8 out of 10 continue to believe it is possible toimprove the quality of public service delivery without increasing taxes. Because according to them, there is a clear margin for improvement. Only 51% of the polls believe that public services in France are professional and efficient at present.
A levy tax consent
Nevertheless, according to the barometer published a year ago by the Council of compulsory levies (CPO), an organization attached to the Court of Auditors, 75% of French people thought that the level of taxation in France is too high, and only 4% considered it too low.
However, when they report their personal case, the French consider the tax level less excessive: 62% of French people think that they pay too much tax, but 34% find their tax level fair. In particular, people with low incomes (less than 2000 euros net monthly for the whole household) have, compared to others, much less the feeling of paying too many taxes, underlined this study which also revealed a strong consent to the tax.
In fact, nearly 8 out of 10 French people considered the payment of taxes as a civic act because it makes it possible to participate in the life of the country by financing various public services and social aid. The French are therefore not reluctant to pay their taxes in principle. Nevertheless, overall, the tax system is unsatisfactory in the eyes of 69% of the French, who find it too unfair (54% dissatisfied) and/or too greedy (49%), specified the CPO barometer.
The tax authorities
On the other hand, if there is indeed a public service that makes everyone agree, or almost, it is the tax department. According to the barometer of the Paul Delouvrier Institute, his satisfaction rate is once again the highest (82%), compared to 71% for the average for public services. Thus, for example, 94% of individuals say they are satisfied with the impots.gouv.fr site. Ditto for the exchanges with the agents of the tax administration (89%).
If the respondents praise the courtesy and friendliness of the agents, the clarity of the response provided and the ability of the agents to understand their needs, they expect several improvements. 59% of respondents therefore consider it a priority to simplify procedures even further, 57% are asking for shorter response and file processing times and 57% expect simpler answers.
Taxes: the 2023 calendar of chances and dates not to forget
(1) National sample of 2,500 people, representative of all residents of France aged 15 and over. Quota method (sex, age, profession of the reference person) and stratification by region and category of agglomeration. Fieldwork of the survey carried out between October 25 and November 8, 2022 via the internet.