Looming Tax Hikes: What Americans Can Expect in 2026 Without New Cuts

Looming Tax Hikes: What Americans Can Expect in 2026 Without New Cuts

As 2026 draws closer, Americans face the looming prospect of significant tax increases unless current tax cuts are extended or renewed. The expiration of certain tax cuts, passed under the Trump administration in 2017, will usher in a host of fiscal changes with potentially far-reaching economic and personal consequences. For taxpayers, businesses, and policymakers alike, the clock is ticking to find a resolution to prevent a major tax overhaul that could significantly impact the nation’s financial landscape. This article delves into what these changes entail, how they could affect individual and corporate tax burdens, and what citizens can do to prepare for the upcoming shifts.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A Brief Overview

In December 2017, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a sweeping tax reform package designed to stimulate economic growth by cutting taxes for individuals, corporations, and pass-through entities. While some provisions of the TCJA were permanent, many key measures were designed to expire after 2025, making 2026 a critical year for taxpayers.

• Individual income tax rates were lowered across the board.
• The standard deduction was nearly doubled, making it more beneficial for many taxpayers to avoid itemizing their deductions.
• The corporate tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21%.
• Several key deductions, including the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, were limited.

As we approach 2026, these cuts are set to expire, meaning that many Americans will see their taxes rise unless Congress acts to extend or modify the current tax code.

What Will Change in 2026 Without New Cuts?

If Congress does not take action, several major changes will take effect in 2026, affecting both individuals and businesses:

• Individual Income Taxes: The individual income tax rates, which were reduced across the board under the TCJA, will revert to pre-2017 levels. For example, the top tax bracket will rise from 37% back to 39.6%. Lower-income tax brackets will also see a hike.
• Standard Deduction Reduction: The standard deduction will decrease significantly, leading to higher taxable incomes for many. In 2025, a single filer’s standard deduction will be $12,950, but by 2026, it will fall back to $6,350.
• Child Tax Credit: The child tax credit, which was expanded under the TCJA, will revert to its pre-2017 level, reducing the amount families can claim for each child.
• Estate and Gift Taxes: The exemption amount for estate and gift taxes will revert to pre-TCJA levels, which means estates worth over $5.49 million will be taxed at a higher rate, potentially affecting more Americans.
• Corporate Tax Rates: Corporate tax rates will climb back to 35%, reversing the 14% reduction made under the TCJA.

These changes will collectively result in higher tax burdens for a wide range of taxpayers, from middle-class families to large corporations. However, the full impact will depend on various factors, including income levels, state tax laws, and personal financial circumstances.

Who Will Be Affected the Most?

The tax hikes set to take effect in 2026 will impact different groups of Americans in varying ways. Some of the most significant effects will be felt by:

• Middle-Class Families: Many middle-class families will see their tax liabilities rise due to the loss of the expanded standard deduction and child tax credits. While these families may not face the steepest rate increases, the combined effect of losing tax credits and deductions will still result in a noticeable hike in their tax bills.
• High-Income Earners: Individuals in the highest tax brackets (those earning over $400,000) will see the most significant tax increases. The top tax rate will return to 39.6%, which could affect a wide range of professionals, investors, and business owners.
• Corporations: The reversion of the corporate tax rate from 21% back to 35% will impact large corporations significantly. This could lead to higher operational costs, which could be passed on to consumers in the form of increased prices.
• Wealthy Estates: The reversion of the estate and gift tax exemption will affect high-net-worth individuals planning to pass on wealth to heirs. Estates above the $5.49 million threshold will be subject to estate taxes at a higher rate.

What Can Americans Do to Prepare?

Given the looming changes, it’s crucial for American taxpayers to start planning ahead. While it’s impossible to predict the exact nature of tax reforms that may be enacted in the next few years, there are several strategies individuals and businesses can consider:

• Maximize Retirement Contributions: Contributing to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs can reduce taxable income, helping to mitigate the impact of higher taxes in the future. Additionally, individuals might want to consider Roth IRAs or Roth 401(k)s, which allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
• Consider Tax-Efficient Investments: Tax-deferred or tax-free investments can help manage future tax liabilities. Strategies like tax-loss harvesting or investing in municipal bonds can provide some tax relief.
• Plan for Estate Taxes: High-net-worth individuals should consider gifting strategies, charitable contributions, and trusts to minimize estate tax exposure once the exemption limits revert to lower levels.
• Stay Informed on Legislative Changes: Keep a close eye on proposed tax reform legislation. While tax hikes in 2026 are a near certainty without action, it’s still possible that Congress will implement new cuts or other measures to mitigate the increases.

On the business side, companies may want to prepare for potential increases in their effective tax rates by evaluating their current tax strategies, such as shifting operations to tax-advantaged locations or adjusting their business structures. A proactive approach will ensure that businesses remain compliant while also protecting their bottom line.

The Broader Economic Implications

The expiration of these tax cuts could have a profound impact on the U.S. economy as a whole. Higher taxes could reduce disposable income, leading to decreased consumer spending and potentially slowing down economic growth. For businesses, the increased tax burden might lead to reduced investment in research and development, fewer hiring opportunities, and possible price hikes for consumers.

Moreover, if corporate tax rates rise as expected, some businesses might consider shifting operations or investments abroad to mitigate the increased tax burden. While this could have negative implications for U.S. job growth, it may also push policymakers to consider more nuanced tax policies that can both raise revenue and incentivize business growth.

On the other hand, some argue that a return to higher taxes could help reduce the U.S. federal deficit, which has ballooned over the past few years. By increasing tax revenue, the government could have more room to invest in public services, infrastructure, and social programs. However, the challenge lies in balancing economic growth with fiscal responsibility, which will be a key focus of ongoing political debates in the lead-up to 2026.

Conclusion: Preparing for Uncertainty

As 2026 approaches, Americans should prepare for significant changes in the tax landscape. While many of the provisions that currently benefit taxpayers are set to expire, there is still time to plan and adjust. Whether through retirement savings, tax-efficient investment strategies, or estate planning, individuals and businesses alike can take steps to mitigate the impact of higher taxes. At the same time, the ongoing political debate over tax policy will likely determine whether some of these hikes can be avoided or reduced.

Ultimately, the ability of Congress to act on tax policy before 2026 will determine how deep the tax hikes will be. With uncertainty in the air, taxpayers must stay informed and adapt to the evolving fiscal landscape to ensure their financial well-being in the years ahead. For more updates on the latest tax legislation, visit this page.

See more CNBC Network