#TrumpTaxCuts

Trump Lowers Taxes The "Trump tax cut" usually refers to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a major piece of legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 22, 2017. It was the biggest overhaul of the U.S. tax system since the Reagan era. Simplifying the tax code, encouraging economic expansion, and lowering taxes were the primary objectives. Key Features:

Lower Corporate Taxes: The corporate tax rate was cut from 35% to 21%, aiming to make U.S. businesses more competitive globally.Individual Tax Cuts: Most Americans saw lower income tax rates. The law maintained seven income levels while lowering the rates for the majority of them. Double the Standard Deduction: The standard deduction nearly doubled for individuals, making it easier for many taxpayers to file without itemizing their deductions. Increase in Child Tax Credit: The credit was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, assisting numerous families. Pass-Through Business Deduction: Owners of certain small businesses could deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income.

Limitations on Deductions: The law set a $10,000 cap on the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT), which had a particularly negative impact on individuals living in high-tax states like California and New York. Temporary Changes for Individuals: Most individual tax cuts are set to expire after 2025 unless Congress extends them.

Impact:

Economic Growth: Proponents claim that the tax cuts sped up economic expansion, increased business investment, and reduced unemployment prior to the onset of COVID-19. Federal Deficit: Critics point out the TCJA added significantly to the federal deficit, as the lost revenue wasn’t fully offset by economic growth.

Wealth Distribution: Studies showed that higher-income households benefited the most in dollar terms, although many middle- and lower-income families also received cuts.

Business Conduct: There was debate regarding the law's long-term benefits for workers because some businesses increased stock buybacks rather than investing the savings.