A new study shows what Americans think about current income tax rates…

Half of Americans believe the amount they pay in federal income taxes is too high, while 43% consider it about right and 4% too low.

…and another study shows why …

The nation’s tax laws are packed with breaks for people at every income level. There are breaks for having children, paying a mortgage, going to college, and even for paying other taxes. Plus, the top rate on capital gains is only 15 percent.

There are so many breaks that 45 percent of U.S. households will pay no federal income tax for 2010, according to estimates by the Tax Policy Center, a Washington think tank.

Surprise, surprise.