An Initial Look At How The New Republican Administration
May Impact Personal And Business Taxes
With many changes anticipated under the new Republican administration, taxpayers will need to understand what these changes will mean and adapt to the evolving tax environment.
One of the most significant changes expected under the new Republican government is a possible corporate tax rate reduction. Currently standing at 21%, there is talk that this rate can be reduced to as low as 15%. This reduction is projected to boost business investment and economic growth, allowing corporations to hold on to more earnings.
Further, the Trump administration is expected to significantly change tariffs and trade policies. A universal baseline tariff of 10% to 20% on U.S. imports is being considered, aside from much higher tariffs on Chinese imports, potentially reaching 60%. These changes can impact businesses that depend on international trade. Supply chains and cost structures must be re-evaluated.
Another fundamental shift is the extension of provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This includes the removal of the cap on state and local tax deductions that could provide relief to taxpayers in high-tax states. New individual tax exemptions and deductions are also imminent, such as the tax exemption of tip income and overtime pay, as well as a possible tax deduction for car loan interest. Another major provision that has a high probability of being restored is the Section 174 deduction for R&D expenditures, which is broadly popular with both Congressional Republicans and Democrats.
All of the above provisions could cost over $5 trillion.
Aside from these major issues, Trump also made some specific tax proposals while campaigning such as removing taxes on tips of restaurant and hospitality workers; taking out taxes on Social Security benefits; eliminating overtime taxes; removing taxes on firefighters, police officers and members of the military; offering a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of parents or loved ones and letting those who purchase a U.S.-made car to write off the interest on their car loans. We believe that these provisions have a low probability of being enacted.
To finance these tax cuts and credits, Trump said he would implement high tariffs on goods entering the U.S., although economists and others were doubting if the tariff rates he was suggesting would cover the cost.
Galleros Robinson will provide regular updates as these and other relevant tax matters unfold.
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The information presented here should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or valuation advice. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice and after a thorough examination of the particular situation.