Most people unhappy with new taxes: poll

Photo / NZ Herald

More people are unhappy with tax changes than are pleased, a poll shows.

On October 1, the Government increased GST from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent, increased benefits and reduced personal income tax rates.

A nationwide HorizonPoll survey of 1558 people between November 16 and 19 found 8.2 per cent felt better off because of the changes, 53.5 per cent thought they were worse off while 35.6 per cent felt their situation was unchanged.

Of lower income households, 71.5 per cent earning less than $20,000 a year felt worse off while 60 per cent of those earning between $20,000 and $30,000 felt the same.

Among households earning between $100,001 and $150,000, 39.3 per cent a year felt worse off (19.6 per cent better off) and 53.2 per cent of those in households with incomes of $200,000 plus felt worse off (24.6 per cent better off).

Of households earning $30,000 to $50,000, 5.5 per cent felt better off, 54.3 per cent worse off.

Among middle-income households earning $50,001 to $70,000 a year, 11 per cent felt better off, 45.9 per cent worse off.

Young and elderly people felt better off - 18 to 24-year-olds had the highest better-off result at 11.2 per cent, followed by those aged 65-74 years (9.5 per cent). Among 24 to 34-year-olds 4.3 per cent felt better off, the lowest score.

The poll has a margin of error of 2.5 per cent.

- NZPA