Root Canal Narrowly Outpolls Tax Audit as More Unpleasant Experience

CTF public opinion poll also finds only 13% of Canadians expect to benefit from tax relief in the Conservative budget.

Ottawa – The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released results of a public opinion poll in advance of Monday’s deadline for Canadians to file their 2006 income tax returns. The poll was conducted by Innovative Research Group for the CTF on (1) the tax relief in the federal budget, and (2) whether Canadians would prefer a root canal or a tax audit.

Canadian unconvinced they will personally benefit from tax relief in the new budget –

When Canadians were asked about the recent federal budget and how much the tax relief will help them a paltry 2% said “a lot” and only 11% said “somewhat.” A 67% majority of Canadians stated they will not personally benefit from the federal government’s tax relief. Of this sum 32% responded “not very much” and 35% “not at all.” The remainder either “don’t know” (2%) or “have not heard enough to say” (17%).

"It suggests the Conservatives missed an opportunity to brand themselves as the party of lower taxes. The governing Conservatives must do more on tax cuts if they want to make a positive impression on Canadian taxpayers,” said CTF federal director John Williamson. “The 2007 Budget did not provide broad-based personal income tax cuts and instead targets the tax relief. But very few taxpayers lucky enough to qualify for a tax break call it dramatic, deep or significant.”

Canadians divided on whether a “root canal” or a “tax audit” is more unpleasant –

When asked which is more unpleasant, 47% of those surveyed responded “root canal” and 38% said a “tax audit.” The remaining 15% “didn’t know.” Only Atlantic Canadians are wearier of the taxman (45% versus 43%), and Ontario respondents are split – with 45% saying a “tax audit” is more unpleasant and 45% believing a “root canal” is more disagreeable.

The online survey was conducted from April 4 to April 11, 2007, among 1,445 Canadian adults 18 years-of-age and older. The sample used has been weighted according to 2001 Census data to accurately reflect region, gender and age. The results are considered accurate to within +/-2.58 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The results are available online: http://www.taxpayer.com/pdf/CTF_Poll.pdf

John Williamson
Federal Director
Canadian Taxpayers Federation