(Washington) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today called on the Republican and Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives to make sure that 24 million middle-class taxpayers do not see their taxes rise because of inaction. Graves says Congress needs to act now to avoid millions of taxpayers from being hit by the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

 

“If Congress does not act, millions of middle class taxpayers will be getting a tax hike for Christmas,” said Graves. “Congress needs to act quickly, because Missourians are already taxed too much.”

 

The AMT was designed in the 1960’s to ensure that a relative few high-income taxpayers did not abuse the tax code to avoid paying any federal income tax.  However, the law has stretched beyond its original purpose and now threatens to encompass approximately 24 million mostly middle class taxpayers who will pay an average of $2,000 more in federal income tax.  

 

“We could see taxpayers making just $33,750 per year paying an alternative minimum tax,” said Graves. “I’m tired of Washington bureaucrats telling hard-working Missourians that they do not give enough of their money to the federal government.”

 

The U.S. Senate passed an AMT patch bill by a vote of 88-6 and sent the measure to the House for consideration. However, instead of considering the Senate bill, House leaders have insisted on drafting their own bill. Democratic leaders in the Senate have said the House version does not stand a chance of passing the Senate.

 

“There is a bi-partisan, common sense solution that we could pass today,” said Graves. “Its time to stop playing political games and do the people’s business.”

 

Currently, four million Americans qualify to pay the AMT.

 

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