Personal Finance
Proposal: Cut Taxes On Two Lowest Income Brackets By 50%
Democrats hope to pass the $3 trillion HEROES Act. On the other hand, Republicans discuss another round of stimulus checks or “back to work” bonuses. These bonuses aim to help Americans struggling to financially recover from the coronavirus pandemic. While all this is happening, a new idea has been proposed: cut taxes in the lowest two income brackets by 50% or more. This will really help those who need it the most.
The idea is from John C. Yoo, a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Law, and he says it would “turbocharge” the economy.
“Little doubt exists that the U.S. economy needs the help,” Yoo says. Additionally, his proposal, although unconventional, would immediately help those in need.
“The president could establish an economic recovery deferred action program that cut taxes immediately for those in the lowest brackets by 50 percent or more. This could accelerate the economic recovery far faster than current proposals for more unemployment payments or business aid, which help alleviate suffering but do little for growth. Trump could establish an economic recovery deferred action program that cut taxes immediately for those in the lowest brackets by 50 percent or more,” says Yoo.
“Turbocharging” the Economy
The tax savings, according to Yoo, would far exceed any potential stimulus check the government would issue. It would also provide immediate help.
“Imagine the boost to the economy if Trump cut taxes on the lowest two brackets to zero. A married couple making up to $20,000 would save $2,000 in federal taxes, while a married couple making $80,000 could save an additional $7,000 or so.”
“These families would not have to wait upon government checks in the mail; they could see the funds immediately in their paychecks.” Yoo said.
Yoo points out that the benefits would be more than just a tax break, it could also revitalize small businesses.
“Tax cuts would mean larger paychecks, which would create an incentive to return to work rather than remaining unemployed and on public assistance. Middle-class families would have a greater incentive to run the risks of starting or operating small businesses if they could keep more of the profits, instead of handing them over to the federal government.”
A Plus for The Administration
Yoo says cutting taxes on the lowest income brackets will help President Trump show support for the poor and minorities.
“A broad tax cut could answer accusations that the administration does not care about the poor or minorities. Trump could focus his deferred tax collection program to benefit the poorest the most, says Yoo, before adding, “He could also target certain geographic areas, such as the inner cities, for full tax breaks regardless of bracket. State COVID lockdowns have impacted the poor the most by shutting down restaurants, travel and hospitality, retail stores, and other businesses dependent on face-to-face interaction.”
While Yoo’s proposal is unconventional, it’s also practical. It avoids adding to our already ballooning national debt. It also satisfies the need to provide immediate relief to families. Also, it shows a good-faith effort to bridge the wealth gap by truly giving a tax break to those that need it most.
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