Steve Buyer: “once again this House has before it legislation to eliminate the penalty on marriage that is found in the income tax…”

“once again this House has before it legislation to eliminate the penalty on marriage that is found in the income tax code. Quite simply, marriage should not be taxed. As the financial pressures of families result in both spouses entering the labor force, an increasing number have become subject to the marriage penalty. A major reason why so many joint filers face this added burden is that the very first dollar earned by the lower-earning spouse is taxed at the marginal rate of the higher-earning spouse, not necessarily at the lower 15% rate faced by single filers. This problem was exacerbated in 1993, when the Clinton tax measure increased the number of tax brackets from three to five. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that over 20 million married couples pay higher taxes than they would if they were single. This 'tax' on marriage averages nearly $1,400 per couple. This $1,400 could be used by families to save for college or retirement, make car payments, or pay for tutoring. Middle income families are hit the hardest by this penalty and they need this legislation for tax relief. I urge the House to pass this legislation.”