The new IRS statistics are in; the Service is up to 2010 information. For TY2010 the bottom 48% of taxpayers paid no federal income taxes. Adjusted gross income up to $30,000.
Now in my experience, I have worked with people in these income brackets. Some have owed money others are getting EIC. But I have also had the (mis) fortune (?) of correcting or stopping the fraud that had/were going to be perpetrated against our government.
There are always going to maker, takers and fakers when it comes to income taxes. I as well as most believe our system is broken. We cannot survive as a civilization when a significant portion of the population does not contribute to society. I do believe that those in the upper tax brackets can pay more. But I also believe that those on the bottom need assistance; but is should be a stop gap that is limited in the amount of time and not a lifestyle choice.