Number: RS22337
Title: Federal Income Tax Thresholds for Selected Years: 1996 Through 2009
Authors: Maxim Shvedov, Analyst in Public Finance 
Abstract: One principle of tax fairness or equity accepted by many is that households at the low end of the income spectrum, especially those near the poverty threshold, should not be subject to the federal income tax. This report estimates income tax thresholds-the point at which taxpayers have an actual out-of-pocket income tax payment. In addition, the report compares these income tax thresholds to the latest available poverty thresholds for families of different sizes. The recent increases in the child tax credit are scheduled to sunset (expire) in 2011. As a result, it is likely that Congress will revisit the issue of the child tax credit because, absent legislative action, the credit will decline from its current law level of $1,000 to $500 in 2011.
Pages: 4
Date: January 9, 2009