Beyond the Tax‐the‐Rich Narrative: How Italians Consider Taxing Wealth

Abstract

This article examines public attitudes toward wealth taxation in Italy, drawing on a survey of 2400 individuals conducted in 2021. Moving beyond the conventional “tax‐the‐rich” narrative, it investigates people's views on wealth taxes as a potential alternative to income and consumption taxation. The analysis exploresthe role of self‐interest, personal beliefs, and political orientation, and shows that support for wealth taxes does not necessarily stem from redistributive motives, but may also express a preference for a less intrusive tax system with moderate progressivity, an approach aligned with classical–liberal principles. Respondents prefer wealth taxes to consumption taxes. Notably, many support a proposal to replace all existing taxes with a single wealth tax. However, concerns emerge regarding potential increases in the overall tax burden and the inclusion of primary residences in the tax base. Contrary to expectations, political orientation plays a limited role in shaping attitudes, although an interaction effect between political views and economic status is observed. The earmarking of tax revenues does not significantly influence preferences.