The media has placed a lot of attention on a few minor tax changes, such as the new tanning tax. However, little focus has been put on a major tax hike that is about to occur. Unless Congress takes immediate action, the Marking Work Pay credit is due to expire; if it does expire, working taxpayers across the country will have more money withheld from their paychecks.
The credit, introduced last year as part of the government's stimulus package, boosts paychecks by up to $400 for single filers and up to $800 for joint filers, by reducing the amount of tax withheld from each paycheck.
But unlike those cuts, which were largely viewed as a benefit for wealthier Americans, the Making Work Pay credit is designed exclusively as a middle-class benefit, and will affect a wider base of taxpayers.