We use cookies to improve your experience and optimize user-friendliness. Read our privacy policy for more information on the cookies we use and how to delete or block them. To continue browsing our site, please click accept.
Winning Back-Office Strategies to Boost Your Business Agility
VIEWpoint Issue 1 | 2023
2023 Compliance Trends: Staying Ahead in an Evolving Regulatory E...
SBA Lenders Beware of BSA
IRS Delays New Reporting Rule for Online Payment Processors
4 Ways to Prepare for Next Year’s Audit
Tax reform continues to be highly touted in Congress as lawmakers from both parties call for simplification of countless complex rules, overhaul of tax rates and more. At times this year, the president and congressional republicans seem far apart on a way forward, but at similar times in the past, agreements have quickly and often surprisingly emerged, most recently in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act). As we approach the November elections, lawmakers from both parties and the president have a short window to agree on tax legislation.
The scope of the PATH Act surprised many Hill observers, including Congress’ vote to make permanent many tax incentives such as the state and local sales tax deduction, research tax credit and teachers’ classroom expense deduction. Additionally, it made changes to the rules for IRS administration, real estate investment trusts (REITs), how the Tax Court works and more – resulting in the largest tax bill since the American Tax Relief Act of 2012. The passage of the PATH Act shows that another tax bill, possibly an even larger tax reform package, could make it out of Congress before year-end.
Almost everything in the Tax Code appears to be on the table at this time. Among the provisions/ideas being discussed by legislators are:
Reforming the rules for international taxation, such as the complex rules for corporate inversions, transfer pricing and more, has been of special interest this year. One unanswered question is whether international tax reform can move forward by itself or if proponents need to add “sweeteners” such as expanded tax breaks for lower- and middle-income taxpayers to win support in Congress. Some lawmakers want to link international tax reform to a cut in the U.S. corporate tax rate. How to pay for any rate cuts also is generating questions and few answers. President Obama has proposed to tighten the international tax rules and use the expected revenue to pay for infrastructure projects, along with reducing the corporate tax rate.
Before Congress’ summer recess, a package of energy tax breaks could be approved by the House and Senate. Many of these are temporary incentives that were not included in the PATH Act, such as the special credits for fuel-cell vehicles, and there is a bipartisan effort to make them permanent.
For more information about tax reform and what measures you may take now in anticipation of changes ahead, contact Doeren Mayhew’s tax advisors today.
This publication is distributed for informational purposes only, with the understanding that Doeren Mayhew is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional opinions on specific facts for matters, and, accordingly, assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. Should the reader have any questions regarding any of the news articles, it is recommended that a Doeren Mayhew representative be contacted.
A quick registration is required to view our resources.
You will only be asked to do this one time (unless you don't save your browser cookies).