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Economic and Revenue Effects of Permanent and Temporary Capital Gains Tax Cuts, January 29, 2003 1 (January 29, 2003)

handle is hein.tera/crstax0046 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS21014
Updated January 29, 2003
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Economic and Revenue Effects of Permanent
and Temporary Capital Gains Tax Cuts
Jane G. Gravelle
Senior Specialist in Economic Policy
Government and Finance Division
Summary
During the 107th Congress proposals were made to enact either a temporary or a
permanent capital gains tax cut. The former would probably gain revenue in the first 2
years but lose that revenue and more, most likely within the following 3 years. H.R.
3090, passed by the House, would lower the top tax rate from 20% to 18% for assets
held at least a year. The Senate Finance Committee version of H.R. 3090, did not
reduce capital gains taxes. President Bush's current dividend relief proposal contains
some capital gains relief as well. A capital gains tax cut appears the least likely of any
permanent tax cut to stimulate the economy in the short run; a temporary capital gains
tax cut is unlikely to provide any stimulus. Permanently lower capital gains taxes can
contribute to economic efficiency in some ways and detract from it in others. Capital
gains tax cuts would favor high income individuals, with about 80% of the benefit going
to the top 2% of taxpayers. This report will be updated to reflect legislative
developments.
Introduction
Recent proposals have been made to enact a capital gains tax cut, and some
arguments have been made that such tax cuts are needed to stimulate the economy.
Proposals include both temporary cuts in capital gains taxes rates for 2 years as well as
permanently lower rates. Interest in a tax stimulus package has increased following the
terrorist attack of September 11, and a capital gains tax cut is one of a number of tax cuts
being discussed. H.R. 3090, passed by the House on October 24, in a 216-214 vote,
would lower the top tax rate to 18% for assets held a year. The Senate Finance
Committee version of H.R. 3090, which was approved by the Committee on November
8, does not contain a capital gains tax cut.
President Bush's dividend relief proposal effectively contains prospective capital
gains relief for corporate stock because it would increase basis attributable to retained
Congressional Research Service ** The Library of Congress

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