Does a Republican Sweep Augur Federal Tax Reform?
Amongst many things, the Republican sweep in yesterday’s election improves prospects for the most significant tax reforms since 1986.
While we instinctually focus on possible changes to our personal tax burdens, business income taxation may offer the most opportunities for structural reforms. Structural changes may or may not reduce the amount of tax revenue. They are, at least in theory, policy-driven to encourage business behavior consistent with greater economic growth.
Changes on the table include taxing business income that is reinvested (rather than distributed to owners for their personal uses) at a lower rate and changing the international tax regime to a territorial system that does not tax income earned in other countries when repatriated to the United States. The former may encourage business investment spending. The latter may reduce distortions in capital flows into the United States caused by the current tax regime. Both changes would bring the United States closer in line with the tax systems in other developed countries.
And, of course, our leaders will revisit Obamacare, including the new taxes it created.
President-Elect Donald Trump’s proposals do not exactly match those in Congress. Disagreement could impede reform. But with House Speaker Paul Ryan and President-elect Trump both focusing on tax reform, we will see the most serious tax reform debate in many years.
Here are links to recent media discussion of possible tax reforms:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-win-gives-gop-fuel-to-slash-taxes-1478687402