Since joining Congress, Congressman Altmire has fought for middle class tax relief for western Pennsylvania families. In December 2010, Congressman Altmire voted to extend all of the 2001 & 2003 tax cuts for the next two years. Extending these tax rates will provide Americans with the certainty they need to make long-term investments and spur job growth. In addition, Congressman Altmire worked hard to close tax loopholes that sent jobs overseas.

Extending Key Tax Cuts for All Americans

In December 2010, Congressman Altmire voted to extend all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for the next two years to help keep our nation's economic recovery moving forward. By extending current tax rates, Congress is helping to provide Americans with the certainty they need to make long-term investments and spur job growth. For more information, see: [Altmire Votes to Extend Tax Cuts for All Americans].

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 Medical Innovation

In January 2011, Congressman Altmire helped introduce the Protect Medical Innovation Act. The bipartisan piece of legislation would immediately repeal the medical device tax that was passed last year as part of the new health care law. The health care reform law places a high tax burden on small medical device businesses in western Pennsylvania, an industry that is key to the economic growth of our region.

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].