The median U.S. household income in 2016 was $59,039 according to the Census.
The median level number above represents the number where half of households have income above that level and half below, adjusted for inflation. Another common measurement of personal income is the mean household income. Unlike the median household income, which divides all households in two halves, the mean income is the average income earned by American households.
Last week I wrote a short article, Trump’s Tax Plan – A Few Brief Insights, where I shared detailed analysis of the impact the proposed tax changes would have on a married empty-nester couple who were in the 33% tax bracket. Today we will take a look at the impact of Trump’s Proposed Tax Plan on a married couple, both age 33, who have three children and an Adjusted Gross Income of $59,935.
Current Tax Scenario (2016 Actual)
In 2016 this couple was in the 15% Tax Bracket. After deducting their Standard Deduction of $12,600 and Personal Exemptions of $20,250 the couple had Taxable Income of $27,085. The Tax Before Credits was $3,134 and after deducting their Child Tax Credits of $2,000 (only two of the children qualified), their Tax Liability was $1,134. The husband had $7,987 withheld so they received a …
TAX REFUND OF $6,853
Under the Proposed Trump Tax Plan
The taxpayers would be in the 12% Tax Bracket. After deducting their Standard Deduction of $24,000 (increased from $12,600) and Personal Exemptions of -0- (Personal Exemptions will go away, a $20,250 deduction lost) the couple would have Taxable Income of $35,935 (an increase of $8,850). The Tax Before Credits would be $4,312 (an increase of $1,178).
Here is where we run into an unknown. The proposal says the Child Tax Credit will be increased to make up for the lost Personal Exemptions but it does not state by how much.
I think it is safe to estimate they will increase the Child Tax Credit by $500. So after deducting Child Tax Credits of $3,000 (only two children qualify, an increase of $1,000), their Tax Liability would be $1,312 (an increase of $178). The husband has $7,987 withheld resulting in a …
TAX REFUND OF $6,675
Net Impact to this Client – $178 Tax Increase
Again, this is a 33 year-old working Father (only source of income), a 33 year old stay at home Mom with three children, ages 5, 13 and 17. There are some Child Care Benefits in the proposed plan, but this couple does not qualify because the Mother is a stay at home Mom and they do not incur that expense.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, this is not equitable treatment of all taxpayers. Giving the couple in the previous article almost $10,000 in tax savings and levying this young couple almost $200 in additional taxes is not fair. I am extremely disappointed in this outcome and you can know that I intend to voice my concerns to our Representatives.
Facebook Comments