(Week of 9/22/2012) Republican challenger Mitt Romney’s recent release of his 2011 tax returns was noticed by most Americans, half of whom accurately state his effective tax rate. In the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, 51% said Romney paid between 10% and 15% of his income to the federal government.

Romney’s 2011 effective tax rate was 14.1%.

In contrast, fewer voters can state the tax rate President Obama paid last year, which was about 25%. Just 21% placed Obama’s effective tax rate between 20% and 30%. Nearly half think he paid a lower rate, and one in four admit they don’t know.

Half the public thinks the taxes Romney paid aren’t enough: 50% say it’s less than his fair share. That’s fewer than think Bill Gates, known as the country’s richest man, is paying less than his fair share.

But the President also gets his share of critics. Nearly a third believes he is paying less in taxes than he should.

61% consider taxes to be a very important issue.

Economist/YouGov poll archives can be found here

Photo source: Press Association