Millions of Americans are expecting action when it comes to their taxes from whoever secures the White House in November. That's why Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been talking about that issue and others related to the economy on the campaign trail.
While their ideas may have similarities, it's clear that the candidates have quite different ideas on how to steer the future of the American economy. You may want to understand their policies to prepare yourself financially.
Here's a look at some things you should know about both candidates when it comes to taxes and where they stand on tax cuts and increases.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
/images/2024/08/30/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-on-flag.jpeg)
It's important to note that the next president faces trillions of dollars in expiring tax breaks. Those were enacted by Trump through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Per the Tax Foundation, more than 60% of taxpayers could see higher taxes in 2026 if there's no extension.
As voters wait on both presidential candidates to unveil more details on their economic agendas, Trump and Harris are calling for tax changes that could impact millions of people in the United States. Both have proposed tax cuts and increases that would require congressional approval.
Trump on tax cuts
/images/2024/08/30/reporters-interviewing-politician-on-press-conference.jpeg)
It may be no surprise that Trump plans to preserve at least some of the individual and business tax cuts put in place via his TCJA. According to the Trump campaign, those tax cuts benefited millions of Americans and can help the millions of people who are dealing with the impacts of inflation and higher prices.
The campaign said the individual tax cuts and business tax reforms would help spur economic growth and confront higher costs of living without inflationary government spending.
Harris on tax cuts
/images/2024/08/30/female-politician-speaking-at-international-political-event.jpeg)
Though Harris herself may not have directly addressed TCJA extensions so far on the campaign trail, there has been some Democratic support. In fact, President Joe Biden's top economic advisor voiced support for partial extensions. According to the Tax Foundation, Harris has a record of favoring steeper tax hikes on businesses and people than President Biden.
Harris on tax increases
/images/2024/08/30/colleagues-analyzing-finance-report-together.jpeg)
Trump and Harris have both said they will address the budget deficit. They have both proposed plans to raise revenue. Again, keep in mind tax law changes require approval by Congress.
According to the Harris campaign, she will push to increase the corporate tax rate to 28%, up from the 21% put in place through the TCJA. That could potentially reduce the deficit by $1.3 trillion over a decade, according to the Treasury Department.
She also proposes to raise taxes on high-income people, raising the top marginal income rate to 39.6% from 37%. She also proposes taxing investment gains of $1 million or more at the ordinary income rate instead of the lower capital gains rate.
Trump on tax increases
/images/2024/08/30/china-us-shipping-containers-import-export-concept.jpeg)
In a pitch that seems to find great support from his base, Trump has called for sweeping tariffs, which are taxes levied on imported goods. Further, the former president suggested he's looking at putting in place a policy of tariffs that would lead to the elimination of the federal income tax.
While voters may favor the idea of that elimination, they could be forced to pay more for goods and services with companies being forced to pay tariffs. Experts say the tariffs put in place during his administration contributed to higher costs for consumers and a loss of jobs.
Trending Stories
Trump on tip taxes
/images/2024/08/30/bill-tab-at-cafe-with-cash-money.jpeg)
The Trump and Harris campaigns have both talked about the idea of eliminating income tax on tip income. Trump made the proposal well before Harris. In fact, his pitch drew a mixed reaction.
The former president has also called for no taxes on Social Security income. Social Security has been a hot issue this election season amid fears of the finances for the program and related ones.
Harris on tip taxes
/images/2024/08/30/tip-jar-in-restaurant-dining-room.jpeg)
In a more recent move, Harris also talked about the idea of eliminating taxes on tip income. She said it's part of her commitment to fight for working families, which she said also includes a plan to raise the minimum wage.
As you might expect, with both candidates standing behind the idea of cutting taxes on tip income, it has some bipartisan support in Congress.
Child Tax Credit expansion
/images/2024/08/30/child-tax-credit-form.jpeg)
With both candidates talking about their plans to help working American families, it may be no surprise that the campaigns have discussed expanding the Child Tax Credit. In fact, Harris announced an economic plan that includes an expanded Child Tax Credit worth up to $6,000 in total tax relief for families with newborns.
After Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, Trump's GOP running mate, talked about a $5,000 Child Tax Credit, the campaign said the former president would consider a significant expansion of the Child Tax Credit for American families.
Bottom line
/images/2024/08/30/young-politicians-listening-to-political-leader.jpeg)
As the November general election approaches, both presidential candidates have been talking about the economy and their plans for taxes if they win. While Trump and Harris may both favor tax cuts on tip income, they have very different tax and economic agendas.
How their plans may affect your ability to get ahead financially is still largely unknown. Perhaps in the upcoming debate, the candidates may reveal more of their economic agendas and how their plans for taxes could impact you.
Up To 5% Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Current Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Benefits
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Drawbacks
- Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
- Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.