Biden Proposes Highest Capital Gains Tax in U.S. History

By: Georgia | Last updated: May 06, 2024

President Biden is pushing the biggest capital gains tax increase the U.S. has seen in 100 years. 

His 2025 budget proposal is eyeing a top rate of a whopping 44.6% on long-term capital gains. That means in places like California, tax rates could surpass 50%.

Breaking Historical Records

Biden’s proposed rates would surpass all previous records, eclipsing the 40% peak seen during President Jimmy Carter’s tenure in the late 1970s. 

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Capital gains tax rates have varied since the 1920s, often staying below 30% and sometimes falling as low as 13%.

Economic Ripple Effects

A wave of concern is sweeping through the economic and investment communities regarding the proposed 44.6% tax rate. 

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Critics contend that such a steep increase could deter investment, particularly affecting key sectors like technology and potentially exacerbating economic challenges for the middle class.

Equity at the Core of Fiscal Policy

Framed as a stride toward economic and racial equity, the hefty tax increase proposed by the Biden administration is intended to balance the scales. 

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It predominantly targets wealthier, white Americans who are more likely to possess substantial investments.

Tackling Racial Wealth Gaps

Highlighting severe disparities, the administration shows that in 2023, 73% of white families owned homes.

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This is in stark contrast to only 46% of Black families and 51% of Hispanic families. Biden’s tax reform aims to narrow these racial wealth gaps.

State-Level Tax Sticker Shock

Residents of California could encounter a daunting capital gains tax rate of 59%

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Similarly, those in New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, and New York could face rates exceeding 54%, which could fundamentally alter their investment and savings behavior.

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Redefining the Death Tax

Significant discussions are underway about reforming the Death Tax. 

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Biden’s proposal includes a new tax triggered by eliminating the stepped-up basis at death, which would automatically apply a capital gains tax. Such a modification holds deep implications for inheritance practices.

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Crypto Markets in the Crosshairs

The proposed budget aims to recalibrate the financial landscape by eliminating tax subsidies for cryptocurrency transactions. 

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Targeting these adjustments will ensure more equitable taxation across various investment forms.

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Corporate Tax Climbs

Biden’s budget doesn’t only target individual investors; it also plans to lift the corporate income tax rate to 28%

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This increase seeks to enhance government revenues and could lead to higher operational costs for businesses across the country.

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Comparing Tax Rates Globally

With Biden’s plan, the U.S. is poised to impose one of the highest capital gains tax rates globally, far exceeding those of economic counterparts like China. 

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Such a move positions the U.S. in a distinctive and potentially challenging economic stance.

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Congressional Hurdles Ahead

All these tax changes hinge on Congress’s approval

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The proposed adjustments are part of a larger economic framework that will undergo intense negotiations and possible modifications in the legislative arena.

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Summing Up Biden’s Tax Strategy

By proposing a significant rise in capital gains taxes, President Biden is placing a high-stakes wager on reshaping America’s financial landscape. 

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His strategy, geared toward fostering greater economic equity and ensuring fiscal sustainability, is set to heavily influence investments.

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