Updated: Comparison of Tax Plans for 2012 Presidential Candidates

ATR ^ | 2012-01-09 | Ryan Ellis

[92nina]

Confused about the proposed tax reform from each of the presidential candidates? Be confused no more. ATR has compiled a single chart that covers the essential differences between each candidate's plans. As proposals change, this chart will be updated, so be sure to bookmark it and share it with your friends using the Facebook, Twitter, and email links above.

For an html version, please click here.

[92nina]

A revised matrix comparing the tax plans of Presidential candidates.

Take this article and spread the word about the different GOP candidates versus Obama at Digg and at Reddit and in Stumbleupon and Delicious

[Responsibility2nd]

Perry Ping!

[grobdriver]

Ping for distribution.

[Utmost Certainty]

So, if I’m reading this right, it looks like Gingrich has the best overall tax plan.

[meyer]

Ping for distribution.

But not redistribution! :-)

[RockinRight]

So...ALL are, in fact, better than Obama in this specific area...but:

Newt’s STRONG. Perry is strong too. Huntsman and Santorum are more middling, and Romney’s, while admittedly weak, if enacted would still be an improvement.

However, only Perry and Newt actually are offering optional private accounts for SS. RuPaul is offering an “opt out” but I don’t know the details...

[shield]

Perry Ping....

IF you'd rather NOT be pinged FReepmail me.

IF you'd like to be added FReepmail me. Thanks.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Here are more details.

The Perry Economic Plan: Cut, Balance and Grow

[92nina]

Huntsman wants to keep the Death Tax for some reason too.

[92nina]

Thanks.

[lahargis]

Hmm - no to Obama, Romney and Santorum...

[lahargis]

Oh and no to Huntsman too, but thought that was a given.

[altura]

Perry ping also.

[Son House]

Newt Gingrich outlines his Jobs and Prosperity Plan at the Palmetto Freedom Forum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxv6bepdo_0

Newt Gingrich on Ben Bernanke, Economy, Creating Jobs, and Obama Administration CNBC Debate HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-I9cpOFVqs

The Gingrich Jobs and Growth Plan
http://www.newt.org/solutions/jobs-economy

[92nina]

Thanks.

[Utmost Certainty]

You might appreciate this for the Newt ping list—looks like he has the best overall tax plan of any of the candidates.

[Son House]

Yes, your welcome as I had been looking into just that last night. As a fiscal conservative at the core, this comparison shoots Newt to the top of my list.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks shield.

[The Pack Knight]

This chart is missing some important details, particulary with regards to simplification of the tax code. There are also some conflicts between this chart and the one put forth by the Tax Foundation.

I noticed it particularly with Huntsman - never a candidate I've supported, but I have been interested in his tax plan of late. With the possible exception of Perry's and Gingrich's respective optional flat taxes, Huntsman is the only candidate I am aware of who is in favor of eliminating all deductions and credits in favor of lower rates, and that isn't reflected on the chart. Also, I've seen conflicting reports on Huntsman's stance on the death tax - the Tax Foundation's chart says he is in favor of eliminating the estate tax. ATR cites Huntsman's campaign site as the source for this chart, but that site doesn't address the estate tax issue.

Certainly every candidate is better than Obama on this issue, but I would have liked to see at least one candidate explicitly come out in favor of scrapping the entire tax code and starting over, something which is long overdue.

[The Pack Knight]

I have to disagree with you on a couple of those. I think Huntsman has one of the better plans, in that he actually advocates scrapping all of the credits and exemptions and going with a flatter, broader tax base. It is still progressive in that it has three brackets, but stripping away all of the deductions and credits - which increase compliance and return preparation costs and allow politicians pick winners and losers - is actually more important to me than having one tax bracket.

I think Santorum’s tax plan is abysmal for a conservative. It looks more like a Blue Dog Democrat’s proposal than a Republican’s - and as you might know, I’m not one who throws around “RINO” accusations very often. The elmination of corporate income taxes for anyone engaged in “manufacturing” would be a disaster - can you imagine the type of shenanigans that will go on, both in Congress and among tax-paying companies, to play with that exemption? It’s a shame, too, because I like a lot of Rick’s policies and I like him a lot personally.

For what it’s worth, I think Santorum truly believes this is what’s best for the country. Coming from anyone else, I’d think it was shameless populist pandering and an attempt to get crossover votes from Reagan Democrats. Santorum is one of the most honest guys in politics, however.