Author Topic: Republican Tax Plan 2017  (Read 380967 times)

sokoloff

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #800 on: December 01, 2017, 10:30:45 AM »
Quote
According to the Tax Policy Center, even when benefits to individuals from the bill’s corporate tax cuts are included, 87 million families making less than $200,000 nationally would experience a tax increase under the Senate tax plan by 2027.
Again, this "tax bill" is a steaming pile of shit for nearly all Americans.  If you're lucky enough to be making more than $200,000 annually, you win out in 2027.  If not...tough luck I guess.
We're well over $200K AGI/MAGI and we will see a 5-figure tax increase in all years based on my calculations and projections. The loss of SALT deductions (we pay high 5-figures there, low 6-figures very occasionally) more than offsets the slim marginal rate reduction.

Just because someone says that X million families making less than $200K will see tax increases doesn't imply (and in our case doesn't mean) that those making over that threshold will win.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #801 on: December 01, 2017, 10:41:10 AM »
We're well over $200K AGI/MAGI and we will see a 5-figure tax increase in all years based on my calculations and projections.

I'm facing that same mystery.  This bill is only supposed to increase taxes on middle class people, and be good for the rich, but I'm rich and I don't see the promised benefits yet. 

How are my taxes supposed to go down under this bill?  Despite a combined income that should put us in the "saves money" category, every scenario I've run results in higher taxes.  I think that in practice, this bill is going to raise taxes on a lot more people than expected, like anyone under a half million per year in income.

I guess I'm just not quite rich enough to get the promised tax breaks for the rich?

NoStacheOhio

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #802 on: December 01, 2017, 10:43:28 AM »
I guess I'm just not quite rich enough to get the promised tax breaks for the rich?

This.

You're also not a corporation, strike two.

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #803 on: December 01, 2017, 10:44:35 AM »
Quote
According to the Tax Policy Center, even when benefits to individuals from the bill’s corporate tax cuts are included, 87 million families making less than $200,000 nationally would experience a tax increase under the Senate tax plan by 2027.
Again, this "tax bill" is a steaming pile of shit for nearly all Americans.  If you're lucky enough to be making more than $200,000 annually, you win out in 2027.  If not...tough luck I guess.
We're well over $200K AGI/MAGI and we will see a 5-figure tax increase in all years based on my calculations and projections. The loss of SALT deductions (we pay high 5-figures there, low 6-figures very occasionally) more than offsets the slim marginal rate reduction.

Just because someone says that X million families making less than $200K will see tax increases doesn't imply (and in our case doesn't mean) that those making over that threshold will win.

That is true.  On the CBO and JCT scores and reports, they can't possibly detail every possible scenario.  100% making less than $200K will pay more in 2027, above $200K it's more of a gray area, especially if you're losing a big SALT deduction.

BTDretire

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #804 on: December 01, 2017, 11:00:04 AM »
I have a couple of questions.
I see for a married couple the first $24k is at 0% and the 12% upto $90k.
 So is that $90k - $24k = $66k x 12% = $7,920 or 12% x $90k = $10,800?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/business/tax-bill-q-and-a/?utm_term=.a3f9eea9ddb3

Also,

 "Tax Preparation

Taxpayers who itemize their returns would no longer be able to deduct the amount that their tax preparation specialist billed them or any similar expenses. Since the tax bill aims to reduce the number of taxpayers who itemize, in theory fewer people should require professional tax help (with the exception of wealthier people, who can afford to lose this break*)."
* Seems like the New York Times is judging!

 I have a sole proprietor business, do I lose this deduction?
I hate paying my tax preparer, but an hour in his office and it's done, plus I have someone to fall back on.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #805 on: December 01, 2017, 11:05:13 AM »
Looks like it's going to pass.  Flake folded on his concerns about ballooning the deficit.  That means Collins and Corker can vote against it, but Pence will pass it as Senate tiebreaker.

Nevermind that 60% of Americans oppose this plan, a gerrymandered minority is going to ram it through anyway, in a complete betrayal of their own party ideology.  It will raise taxes on the middle class and spike the deficit.  If I was a Republican, I'd be furious.

sokoloff

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #806 on: December 01, 2017, 11:07:20 AM »
I have a couple of questions.
I see for a married couple the first $24k is at 0% and the 12% upto $90k.
 So is that $90k - $24k = $66k x 12% = $7,920 or 12% x $90k = $10,800?
Marginal rate brackets work like the former.

0% on the first $24K, then 12% on the amount 24000.01 through $90K, etc.

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #807 on: December 01, 2017, 11:16:37 AM »
Looks like it's going to pass.  Flake folded on his concerns about ballooning the deficit.  That means Collins and Corker can vote against it, but Pence will pass it as Senate tiebreaker.

Nevermind that 60% of Americans oppose this plan, a gerrymandered minority is going to ram it through anyway, in a complete betrayal of their own party ideology.  It will raise taxes on the middle class and spike the deficit.  If I was a Republican, I'd be furious.

Still has to go to Committee to reconcile with the House.

But yes, congrats to them for passing a pile of shit and quite possibly the least popular legislation of all-time.

jean

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #808 on: December 01, 2017, 11:22:37 AM »
I hope that I'm worrying unnecessarily, but I worry this bill is a step towards a financial meltdown.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/11/30/im-a-depression-historian-the-gop-tax-bill-is-straight-out-of-1929/?utm_term=.76116a90ea0a

Anyway, (slightly premature?) congrats to the GOP, I'm interested to see what the final bill is.  I assume it will be closer to the senate version than the house.

Davids

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #809 on: December 01, 2017, 11:25:39 AM »
I am in the minority but I am glad this bill will pass. It's not that bad. Corporate tax cuts will lead to increased hiring, increase wages and yes increase dividends for shareholders. This bill will help much more than hurt.

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #810 on: December 01, 2017, 11:27:34 AM »
I am in the minority but I am glad this bill will pass. It's not that bad. Corporate tax cuts will lead to increased hiring, increase wages and yes increase dividends for shareholders. This bill will help much more than hurt.

LMAO you drinking that trickle-down kool aid?  Good lord.

MOD EDIT: Read forum rule #1.
« Last Edit: December 03, 2017, 02:11:15 AM by arebelspy »

NoStacheOhio

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #811 on: December 01, 2017, 11:28:48 AM »
I am in the minority but I am glad this bill will pass. It's not that bad. Corporate tax cuts will lead to increased hiring, increase wages and yes increase dividends for shareholders. This bill will help much more than hurt.

You don't increase the deficit when the economy is up. It gives you nowhere to go when the next recession happens.

sherr

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #812 on: December 01, 2017, 11:29:33 AM »
Looks like it's going to pass.  Flake folded on his concerns about ballooning the deficit.  That means Collins and Corker can vote against it, but Pence will pass it as Senate tiebreaker.

Nevermind that 60% of Americans oppose this plan, a gerrymandered minority is going to ram it through anyway, in a complete betrayal of their own party ideology.  It will raise taxes on the middle class and spike the deficit.  If I was a Republican, I'd be furious.

Still has to go to Committee to reconcile with the House.

But yes, congrats to them for passing a pile of shit and quite possibly the least popular legislation of all-time.

Not if the House just passes the Senate version. Which IMO is much more likely than reconciliation + problem solving + both houses passing an improved version.

The Republicans just want to "get something done". That's it. It doesn't have to be a good something. They're not trying to please anyone except their ultra-rich donors.

If you're not constrained by ensuring the legislation you pass is "good" or "beneficial", then what is to be gained by going through the reconciliation process? Just have the House pass it, send it to Trump to sign, and pat yourselves on the back for your "win".

Glenstache

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #813 on: December 01, 2017, 11:40:13 AM »
I am in the minority but I am glad this bill will pass. It's not that bad. Corporate tax cuts will lead to increased hiring, increase wages and yes increase dividends for shareholders. This bill will help much more than hurt.

US unemployment is currently tracking at 4.1%. Or will they be hiring more CEOs and upper management?

ixtap

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #814 on: December 01, 2017, 11:44:47 AM »
I am in the minority but I am glad this bill will pass. It's not that bad. Corporate tax cuts will lead to increased hiring, increase wages and yes increase dividends for shareholders. This bill will help much more than hurt.

You are aware that those corporations are already holding onto more cash than usual?

loyalreader

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #815 on: December 01, 2017, 11:49:50 AM »
Death should not be an event that our government collects taxes on.

The amount that has been accumulated in one's lifetime is irrelevant. 

The money was hard earned & taxed all along the way. 
We can quibble over your third point, but not your first. The government does not collect taxes on death. That's a ridiculous statement and calling it a death tax is false. 

The tax is on your estate. Yes, it is taxed when you die, but it is not a tax on your death. It is a tax on your heir's inheritance.
If there's something ridiculous written above, I don't agree with you on which statements are ridiculous.

"My labor isn't taxed; it's an income tax after all."

"My purchases aren't taxed. It's a sales tax, not a purchase tax."

Those both seem equally valid as "It's not a tax on a death event; it's an estate tax."

Well... everyone who makes an income gets taxed. Some people get reductions/exemptions from the tax based on certain variables, including the amount of income they make, but all labor/income is taxed (unless you are getting paid 'under the counter').

Everyone pays sales/purchase tax. Sure, some items are exempt... but everyone pays tax on taxable items regardless of the cost (unless you make the sale 'under the counter').

No one gets taxed because they die. Some people - those who stand to inherit estates worth more than $11m from a couple - get an extra tax on that inheritance.

I see a big difference, but I guess we will agree to disagree.

Shifting gears...

On NPR last night I heard a Republican senator from Iowa defending the removal of the estate tax by saying we should reward people who are savers. Huh? Wasn't removing the 401K deduction on the table in an early incarnation of this bill? I don't understand how some of these people sleep at night.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #816 on: December 01, 2017, 11:54:34 AM »
Just have the House pass it, send it to Trump to sign, and pat yourselves on the back for your "win".

In this case, the superficial win will also do real harm to real Americans.  You thought your health insurance was expensive now?  Just wait until you see next year's premiums after they repeal the individual mandate.

Can you say death spiral?

I love that republicans are doing all of the very things they campaigned so hard against.  Their big beautiful tax cut turns out to be tax increase on individuals.  Their quest to make healthcare more affordable is making it more expensive.  Economically disadvantaged rural voters who were promised a handout are instead having their benefits and deductions crushed.  Jared Kushner used a private email server for official business.  The people who promised to drain the swamp and lock her up already have four indictments in less than a year.  It's delicious irony on every front, and I think the next election will be a bloodbath. 

This is what you get when you put amateurs in charge.  Don't pretend to be surprised when they fuck everything up.  This is exactly what you asked for, America.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2017, 01:51:34 PM by sol »

sokoloff

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #817 on: December 01, 2017, 12:04:07 PM »
I am in the minority but I am glad this bill will pass. It's not that bad. Corporate tax cuts will lead to increased hiring, increase wages and yes increase dividends for shareholders. This bill will help much more than hurt.
US unemployment is currently tracking at 4.1%. Or will they be hiring more CEOs and upper management?
U3 is there. U6 is about double that, so there's still room for further employment gains. (I don't think either of these bills will substantially change the macro employment picture, but there is more than 4% room for improvement.)

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #818 on: December 01, 2017, 12:05:43 PM »
This is what you get when you put amateurs in charge.  Don't pretend to be surprised when they fuck everything up.  This is exactly what you asked for, America.

54% of the country did not for Dotard.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #819 on: December 01, 2017, 12:11:44 PM »
54% of the country did not for Dotard.

While that is true, he still legitimately won the election with a minority of voter support, by the rules those voters agreed to abide by.  It doesn't matter if voters were deceived by Russian propaganda on Facebook and Twitter.  It doesn't matter that more people voted for Hillary anyway.  It doesn't matter if Trump broke the law.  America made this happen, ugliness and all, and it deserves what it gets.

sokoloff

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #820 on: December 01, 2017, 12:13:48 PM »
This is what you get when you put amateurs in charge.
It's not having had professional politicians in charge has resulted in an Atlantisian fantasy world of prosperity and good fortune, either.
Don't pretend to be surprised when [the amateurs] fuck everything up.  This is exactly what you asked for, America.
54% of the country did not [vote] for Dotard.
~42% of eligible voters didn't even vote, so about 73% of eligible voters didn't vote for the current President.

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #821 on: December 01, 2017, 12:18:49 PM »
This is what you get when you put amateurs in charge.
It's not having had professional politicians in charge has resulted in an Atlantisian fantasy world of prosperity and good fortune, either.
Don't pretend to be surprised when [the amateurs] fuck everything up.  This is exactly what you asked for, America.
54% of the country did not [vote] for Dotard.
~42% of eligible voters didn't even vote, so about 73% of eligible voters didn't vote for the current President.

Yes, voter turnout is always pathetic.

PathtoFIRE

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #822 on: December 01, 2017, 12:19:38 PM »
I've seen it several times on this thread, and I just want to point out that anyone discussing the so-called "national debt" needs to realize that it is a Republican/conservative talking point, and there is no need to buy in to it or concede it. Even those who point to federal debt versus GDP are still losing an important dimension.

I wouldn't present a case study here without details of my assets, my liabilities, my income, and my expenses. Also, federal debt doesn't account for other forms of debt, exceed the federal debt, and definitely doesn't take into account the Federal assets or national assets.

As of 2017 Q2 and as reported in the September 2017 Federal Reserve Z.1,
Household/nonprofit assets total $111,415 billion, and liabilities total $15,219 billion, for a net value of $96,195 billion.
Corporate nonfinancial business assets $42,447 billion, liabilities of $19,153, net value of $23,293 billion.
Noncorporate nonfinancial business assets $19,226 billion, liabilities of $7,373, net value of $11,853 billion
Financial busines assets $95,485 billion, liabilities $87,150 billion, net value $8,335 billion
Federal government assets $5,481 billion, liabilities $18,650 billion, net value $(13,169) billion
State and Local governments assets $13,658 billion, liabilities $5,768 billion, net value $7,890 billion
Rest of the world assets $24,222 billion, liabilities $17.941 billion, net value $6,281 billion

Total assets = $311,934 billion
Total liabilities = $171,254 billion
Net worth = $140,680 billion
GDP $18.624 billion (2016)

You're going to have to show me that these number are out of line in some objective way before I'm going to care about one small aspect of them enough to wreak the havoc that Republicans and frankly some Democrats want to cause by slashing Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, welfare, research grants, etc.

sokoloff

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #823 on: December 01, 2017, 12:23:54 PM »
Why would household or corporate net worth offset the federal national debt in some way?

When I'm considering my parents' or my neighbor's solvency and net worth, they don't get to add *my* wealth into their calculation.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #824 on: December 01, 2017, 12:26:40 PM »
I've seen it several times on this thread, and I just want to point out that anyone discussing the so-called "national debt" needs to realize that it is a Republican/conservative talking point, and there is no need to buy in to it or concede it. Even those who point to federal debt versus GDP are still losing an important dimension.

You must be the reason why every republican in the country suddenly wants to increase the deficit by trillions, after so many decades of excoriating democrats for their supposed "out of control spending" (facts to the contrary notwithstanding).

jim555

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #825 on: December 01, 2017, 12:30:06 PM »
I've seen it several times on this thread, and I just want to point out that anyone discussing the so-called "national debt" needs to realize that it is a Republican/conservative talking point, and there is no need to buy in to it or concede it. Even those who point to federal debt versus GDP are still losing an important dimension.

You must be the reason why every republican in the country suddenly wants to increase the deficit by trillions, after so many decades of excoriating democrats for their supposed "out of control spending" (facts to the contrary notwithstanding).
The new strategy is drive the debt up and use that as an excuse to cut the government.  Sorta like break it and yell "look it doesn't work!" (ACA, Medicare, SS).

SaucyAussie

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #826 on: December 01, 2017, 12:36:12 PM »
This thread has really devolved but in an effort to counter balance the gibberish I thought some hard data might help.  Here is a CBO distributional analysis showing the effects of the bill for different income levels, scroll to page 10.  Make of it what you will.
https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/115th-congress-2017-2018/costestimate/reconciliationrecommendationssfc.pdf

djadziadax

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #827 on: December 01, 2017, 01:19:16 PM »
This thread has really devolved but in an effort to counter balance the gibberish I thought some hard data might help.  Here is a CBO distributional analysis showing the effects of the bill for different income levels, scroll to page 10.  Make of it what you will.
https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/115th-congress-2017-2018/costestimate/reconciliationrecommendationssfc.pdf

+1 Devolved into political mud sliding mostly from one side.

And it all because of some economists guess work of the distant future (10 yr horizon). Economist cannot predic next quarter GDP with accuracy, let alone what will happen in 10 year. 3Q GDP revised several times...but we are putting full faith in estimates that are 10 yrs away. Full faith!

Apt comic:

http://dilbert.com/strip/2017-12-01
« Last Edit: December 01, 2017, 01:26:43 PM by djadziadax »

FIREchiefsr

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #828 on: December 01, 2017, 01:24:24 PM »
Still has to go to Committee to reconcile with the House.



Kinda, maybe......  With a very close Senate vote, there is always the option that the house will simply take up and pass the Senate bill as written.  Since they're adding back in the $10K property tax exemption, and the pass through has become much closer to the house version (23% vs 25%), there may not be any real sticking points.  The house reduction to three brackets was more marketing than any true simplification, and the ultimate elimination of the estate tax was mostly vapor-legislation as there would be something like seven years for the Dems to put it back in.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #829 on: December 01, 2017, 01:28:45 PM »
Economist cannot predic next quarter GDP with accuracy, let alone what will happen in 10 year.

I don't think you have to be an economist to recognizing that just reducing government revenues will increase the deficit.

Republicans have always argued that defecits are bad, and need to be improved by cutting spending.  So they do implicitly accept that the budget controls the deficit, and yet somehow today are arguing that cutting revenues does not.  It's very confusing, if you're a person who expects logical consistency from your elected leadership.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2017, 01:42:30 PM by sol »

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #830 on: December 01, 2017, 01:37:02 PM »
I've seen it several times on this thread, and I just want to point out that anyone discussing the so-called "national debt" needs to realize that it is a Republican/conservative talking point, and there is no need to buy in to it or concede it. Even those who point to federal debt versus GDP are still losing an important dimension.

So we can agree that the claim that the "fiscal hawk" Tea Party was totally against budget deficits and definitely not a racist reaction to the first black President was a lie?  Cool.

PathtoFIRE

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #831 on: December 01, 2017, 01:49:09 PM »
Why would household or corporate net worth offset the federal national debt in some way?

When I'm considering my parents' or my neighbor's solvency and net worth, they don't get to add *my* wealth into their calculation.

Who said it does? What it does actually represent are net financial assets without a corresponding private liability. No one ever in the history of time* has ever argued that it's impossible to have too much of this, but it would be very ahistorical of anyone to say that these assets and the private sector spending they correspond to don't help the economy in many ways, with the largest two off the top of my head including smoothing out recessions and excessive growth, and investing in priorities that hold value to us but can not or will not be provided by the private sector alone.

*I may be engaging in some hyperbole here

You must be the reason why every republican in the country suddenly wants to increase the deficit by trillions, after so many decades of excoriating democrats for their supposed "out of control spending" (facts to the contrary notwithstanding).

I'm usually attuned to snark/sarcasm, and I'm still a little baffled by this statement and maybe I'm misreading, but I am _not_ the reason why, I think those reason have been well documented here and elsewhere. Republicans want to take from the large majority and give to the tiny wealthy minority, and they also have ideological and moral disagreements with political and social equality. My point is that deficits and the national debt are not bogeymen, they are legitimate and helpful economic tools, their use over the past 80+ years is directly correlated with our financial and economic success as a country (as so to many others around the world), and it's bad rhetoric to seize upon. And I would like to point out that Democrats often bend over backwards to appease the debt naysayers almost as much as Republicans, hence no public option on the ACA, dismantling welfare, etc.

sherr

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #832 on: December 01, 2017, 01:53:47 PM »
Devolved into political mud sliding mostly from one side.

And it all because of some economists guess work of the distant future (10 yr horizon). Economist cannot predic next quarter GDP with accuracy, let alone what will happen in 10 year. 3Q GDP revised several times...but we are putting full faith in estimates that are 10 yrs away. Full faith!

Apt comic:

http://dilbert.com/strip/2017-12-01

I enjoy Dilbert as much as the next man, but you should know that Scott Adams trolled hard for Trump this election season (mostly in his blog, a bit in the comic). It was huge bundle of specious reasoning, propaganda, and slightly-wattered-down conspiracy theories. He's also a global warming denier from the same anti-intellectual reasoning ("forecasters can't even get the weather right a week from now, you're telling me they know with confidence that the Earth is long-term warming?!").

Sometimes, like in markets and climate and other chaotic systems, it's much easier to measure and predict long-term general trends then it is short-term ones.

Or do you not believe that repealing the Estate tax is a huge give-away to the ultra-wealthy? Is intentionally running up the deficit during a reasonably prosperous time not just going to result in harder pushes to slash Medicaid / Medicare / Social Security in the next economic downturn?

So you know, enjoy the comic. But consider the source. Maybe he's not a good counter to "one-sided mud slinging". And maybe take Mr. "Well I'm not convinced about Global Warming and therefore the evidence for Global Warming is unconvincing and therefore it's reasonable to believe whatever I want" with a grain of salt.

Edit: Speaking of which, if you think it's at all a coincidence that he published that comic today then you're crazy. He has turned himself into a hardcore Republican propagandist, where reasoning, expertise, and evidence all don't matter as long as you can mock your opponents and be more "persuasive".
« Last Edit: December 01, 2017, 02:03:19 PM by sherr »

sokoloff

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #833 on: December 01, 2017, 02:03:26 PM »
Why would household or corporate net worth offset the federal national debt in some way?
Who said it does?
Um, you did when you added those figures together and compared them.

Perhaps I misunderstand what you were trying to say in your post, but if you add your and my and other Americans' private assets and liabilities to the government's assets and liabilities and declare that we have positive net worth overall, I think you're saying that that is a sensible and valid way to look at the situation.

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #834 on: December 01, 2017, 02:07:12 PM »
And it all because of some economists guess work of the distant future (10 yr horizon). Economist cannot predic next quarter GDP with accuracy, let alone what will happen in 10 year. 3Q GDP revised several times...but we are putting full faith in estimates that are 10 yrs away. Full faith!

This is why nobody on this forum is willing to wager their future on something like the 4% SWR. That would be crazy to trust that kind of long term forecasting! /s

DarkandStormy

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #835 on: December 01, 2017, 02:18:34 PM »
Why would household or corporate net worth offset the federal national debt in some way?
Who said it does?
Um, you did when you added those figures together and compared them.

Perhaps I misunderstand what you were trying to say in your post, but if you add your and my and other Americans' private assets and liabilities to the government's assets and liabilities and declare that we have positive net worth overall, I think you're saying that that is a sensible and valid way to look at the situation.

That's how I read it.  Watch out...the government is going to seize all of our assets and liabilities to pay down the debt.  Is that the strategy?

jean

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #836 on: December 01, 2017, 02:47:15 PM »
For those who like to follow along (even though it is totally unnecessary and won't know what the final bill looks like until it is all over) but don't have time/desire to lives stream debates, Market Watch is providing occasional updates as things progress: http://blogs.marketwatch.com/capitolreport/2017/12/01/republican-tax-bill-heads-for-senate-vote-live-updates/

It includes a rumor that the AMT might be coming back - that would be quite surprising.  Disclaimer - none of this is final! 

Undecided

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #837 on: December 01, 2017, 04:30:27 PM »
For those who like to follow along (even though it is totally unnecessary and won't know what the final bill looks like until it is all over) but don't have time/desire to lives stream debates, Market Watch is providing occasional updates as things progress: http://blogs.marketwatch.com/capitolreport/2017/12/01/republican-tax-bill-heads-for-senate-vote-live-updates/

It includes a rumor that the AMT might be coming back - that would be quite surprising.  Disclaimer - none of this is final!

I'm really perplexed by that. At the same level? Meaning that if you were an AMT payer before (with disregarded mainstream deductions for SALT, which will not be denied everyone), you're not allowed to benefit from the tax bracket changes? Seems like that would have some meaningful effect on the percentage of taxpayers who realize a "cut" here.

Either way, seems hard to reconcile with the drive to simplify the tax system.

I just used Market Watch's tax calculator to compare the two proposals (I have know idea if they're keeping it current), and I seem to be looking at very different outcomes under the two alternative proposals (a 0.6% increase under the House bill and a 7.0% cut under whatever Market Watch thinks the Senate proposal is). I was surprised by that degree of difference.

FIREchiefsr

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #838 on: December 01, 2017, 06:42:42 PM »
I found several reports suggesting that it would be a "modified" AMT with higher thresholds and larger exemptions.  It would almost have to be if they don't want to immediately cancel the tax reductions for a large number of upper middle class workers.

Debts_of_Despair

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #839 on: December 01, 2017, 07:34:22 PM »
Chuck the Schmuck is still desperately trying to plead his case but it's all but already law, other than going to conference committee.  I hope you all don't shed too many tears when you pay fewer taxes next year.

ixtap

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #840 on: December 01, 2017, 07:41:48 PM »
One report I read of last minute amendments said that there is an exemption from the endowment tax that is specific to one (well connected) college in Michigan.

And cruise ports in Alaska.

sherr

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #841 on: December 01, 2017, 07:51:32 PM »
Chuck the Schmuck is still desperately trying to plead his case but it's all but already law, other than going to conference committee.  I hope you all don't shed too many tears when you pay fewer taxes next year.

Incredibly unlikely for me. I assumed that the R's tax bill would pass. Knowing that the increase in the standard deduction would smack the living heck out of the below-the-line charitable giving deduction (and therefore charitable giving itself since they're highly correlated), I took Taxes' advice and opened a DAF and gave a bunch to charity. My taxes are going to be incredibly low this year. I hope you enjoy the tears of those around you when the Republican's "starve the beast" strategy comes home to roost and the most vulnerable people in society are suffering for it.

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jean

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #843 on: December 01, 2017, 09:17:21 PM »
Updated bill is ready.  It is on the Senate finance committee site, but the news orgs have searchable PDFs instead of images.

https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/rXqXuQfYbRas/v0

The removal of my pet loophole seems to have been dropped (combining the 457b limit) if I'm reading it correctly.  Not that it changes my position...

I can't tell what they did with the grad student taxable tuition thing.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #844 on: December 01, 2017, 10:31:27 PM »
Updated bill is ready.  It is on the Senate finance committee site, but the news orgs have searchable PDFs instead of images.

https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/rXqXuQfYbRas/v0

The removal of my pet loophole seems to have been dropped (combining the 457b limit) if I'm reading it correctly.  Not that it changes my position...

I can't tell what they did with the grad student taxable tuition thing.

No one can tell anything.  They distributed all 500 pages four hours ago, and have already marked up that version with hand-written changes.  No one knows what's actually in this bill.  No one has actually read it.  Republicans just shut down a Democratic motion to postone the vote until Monday to give people a chance to actually read it.  Looks like they'e trying to pass it tonight, consequences be damned.

Paul der Krake

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #845 on: December 01, 2017, 10:38:25 PM »
The amendments discussed so far are kinda cute. Rubio and Cruz wanted larger child tax credits and expanded 529s, respectively.

sol

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #846 on: December 01, 2017, 10:42:14 PM »
The amendments discussed so far are kinda cute. Rubio and Cruz wanted larger child tax credits and expanded 529s, respectively.

Cruz's amendment isn't for "expanded" 529s, it's to allow Christian home-schoolers to tax shelter any income they spend on homeschooling, including the fraction of their home allocated to homeschooling and all of the food supplied during the "school day".  It's an ugly farce. 

Just another federal giveaway to the religious right.  Move along, there's nothing new to see here.

sherr

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #847 on: December 01, 2017, 10:45:19 PM »
Updated bill is ready.  It is on the Senate finance committee site, but the news orgs have searchable PDFs instead of images.

https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/rXqXuQfYbRas/v0

The removal of my pet loophole seems to have been dropped (combining the 457b limit) if I'm reading it correctly.  Not that it changes my position...

I can't tell what they did with the grad student taxable tuition thing.

No one can tell anything.  They distributed all 500 pages four hours ago, and have already marked up that version with hand-written changes.  No one knows what's actually in this bill.  No one has actually read it.  Republicans just shut down a Democratic motion to postone the vote until Monday to give people a chance to actually read it.  Looks like they'e trying to pass it tonight, consequences be damned.

"A great national debate now begins. It should not be a partisan debate, for the authors of tax reform come from all parties, and all of us want greater fairness, incentives, and simplicity in taxation." - Ronald Reagan

Oh how low and how despicably the Republicans have fallen.

"Oh but Obamacare - that was debated for well over a year and had many open hearings and expert testimony and industry representatives all having plenty of time to weigh in - was also passed in a rushed final vote, so really both parties are the same so you might as well vote Republican." -Republicans

jean

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #848 on: December 01, 2017, 11:33:31 PM »
Updated bill is ready.  It is on the Senate finance committee site, but the news orgs have searchable PDFs instead of images.

https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/rXqXuQfYbRas/v0

The removal of my pet loophole seems to have been dropped (combining the 457b limit) if I'm reading it correctly.  Not that it changes my position...

I can't tell what they did with the grad student taxable tuition thing.

Which particular loophole are you speaking of?  And how did they propose to eliminate it?  (I haven't kept up with all the iterations of it - waiting until it's closer to final, as I assume it'll keep changing right up until near the end.)

You have the right approach by not keeping up! There was a proposal to combine the 18k limit for 457(b) with the (currently separate) 18k limit for a 401k/403b. There isn't a good reason for these to be separate (IMO) and I didn't think there was any political will (aka lobbyists) to save it. My spouse has access to both, so I was interested and watching this.

If you had a handful of things you hated in the senate bill, it is not impossible to see if they are still in this latest thing, if you knew where they were in the last released bill.  But most of us rely on news summaries (including me, for the other things I hated). 

The amendments discussed so far are kinda cute. Rubio and Cruz wanted larger child tax credits and expanded 529s, respectively.

So, why are these particular amendments being debated when a bunch of stuff seemed to change behind closed doors and were simply presented as part of the new bill?  This is confusing.

Paul der Krake

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Re: Republican Tax Plan 2017
« Reply #849 on: December 01, 2017, 11:41:14 PM »
The amendments discussed so far are kinda cute. Rubio and Cruz wanted larger child tax credits and expanded 529s, respectively.

So, why are these particular amendments being debated when a bunch of stuff seemed to change behind closed doors and were simply presented as part of the new bill?  This is confusing.
Not a legislative expert, but my understanding is that amendments are proposed by Senators directly, then a committee determines whether it's worth "debating" (just giving it airtime, really) on the floor. This process happens in parallel to the normal bill drafting process.