Tax Cuts

President Obama is calling on lawmakers to extend the middle-class tax cuts that are set to expire in 2012 so that 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses don’t pay higher taxes next year.

Nearly everyone in Washington agrees that this is the right thing to do, and the Senate has already passed the extension. Republicans in Congress, however, are holding middle-class tax cuts hostage, refusing to extend them unless tax cuts to the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans are also extended.

President Obama to Congress: Extend Middle-Class Tax Cuts

Tax Engage Form

What We've Heard

"Helping out middle class families with tax cuts while requiring wealthier people to pay their fair share helps us all by creating a stronger America."

KG, Washington

"It's simple; why can't everyone simply pay their fair share of taxes?"

MB, Chicago

"The middle class is what keeps business in business. The more free income we have the more products and services are bought. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett agree that there should be more taxes paid by the wealthiest people in our country. We are not asking for handouts just make the tax code fair for everyone."

KL, Tennessee

"Let's restore "equality" in the American dream and reintroduce a fair and equitable tax system. It worked in the '90, and could help reduce our national debt now."

EP, New York

11 Facts About the Tax Debate

Nearly $1 trillion would be added to our deficit over 10 years under the Republicans’ proposal to continue tax cuts exclusively to households making more than $250,000 a year and to the wealthiest estates.

Only 2% of American households will benefit from the Republicans’ proposal to extend tax cuts for those with incomes higher than $250,000 a year.

Under the President's proposal, only the wealthiest 3 in 1,000 estates would owe any estate tax.