The Individual Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): 11 Key Facts and Projections

Publication Date: December 2006

Publisher: Tax Policy Center

Author(s): Leonard E. Burman; Julianna Koch; Greg Leiserson

Research Area: Banking and finance

Keywords: Tax Policy; Tax Distribution and Economic Trends; Taxation of Households; Individual Alternative Minimum Tax

Type: Report

Abstract:

The individual alternative minimum tax (AMT) was originally enacted in 1969 to guarantee that high-income individuals paid at least a minimal amount of tax. Middle- and upper-income taxpayers must add a number of so-called ?preference items? to their taxable income, subtract a special AMT exemption, and calculate their tax according to the AMT tax schedule. If the tax under that schedule is higher than the regular income tax, taxpayers pay the difference as AMT. This document outlines 11 key facts and projections about the AMT, including its effects on taxpayers and prospects for its reform.