Since joining Congress, Congressman Altmire has fought for middle class tax relief for western Pennsylvania families. In 2009, Congressman Altmire voted for a fiscally responsible budget that will cut taxes for middle-class families by nearly $1.5 trillion. This budget also extends tax cuts which benefit middle class families, including the 10 percent individual income tax bracket, the child tax credit, and marriage penalty relief.  

Largest Tax Cut in American History

By voting for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congressman Altmire cut taxes for 95 percent of America’s working families. The Making Work Pay Tax Credit -- which went into effect on April 1, 2009 -- is the largest middle class tax cut in American history and has provided tax relief to 95 percent of working families. For more information, see: [Tax Cut will Boost Western Pennsylvanians’ Pay Checks Starting Tomorrow].

Tax Relief for Small Businesses

Over the past two years, Congressman Altmire has helped to provide small businesses with nearly $65 billion in tax cuts. By voting for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009, Congressman Altmire protected thousands of small business owners from being hit with the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and made it possible for struggling small businesses to receive a refund for taxes they paid when they made a profit over the past five years. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also made it easier for small businesses to purchase necessary equipment and make capital investments by increasing the amount that they can immediately write off their taxes for those expenditures.

Protecting the Middle Class from the AMT

Congressman Altmire has repeatedly voted to protect 23 million Americans, including 60,000 middle class families in the Fourth Congressional District, from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).  Congress enacted legislation providing relief from the AMT for 2007, 2008, and 2009.  While these are important steps, Congressman Altmire is advocating for a permanent fix to the AMT.

Cutting Taxes for Military Families

Approximately one third of deployed reservists take a pay cut when they are called up to active duty and many small business owners voluntarily cover reservists' differences in pay while they are deployed.  To help shoulder this burden, Congressman Altmire introduced the Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act (H.R. 3827), legislation that will provide tax relief to active duty military service members and help small businesses address the transitional issues incurred when employees are called up to service.  This legislation was included in the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (H.R. 6081) and signed into law on June 17, 2008.  For more information, see: [Altmire Provisions Cutting Taxes for Military Families Becomes Law].