Tax Day is Coming

April 15th is Tax Day, the day when income taxes for American residents are due. The daunting task of filing taxes is dreaded by many. Unfortunately, for an increasing number of middle class families, the task has become even harder. And, that’s because an increasing number of middle class families will find themselves subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

The AMT is an outdated and onerous tax which is not indexed to inflation. It affects millions of tax payers each year and that doesn’t have to be the case. Last year, I re-introduced my AMT Middle Class Fairness Act, which would index the AMT to inflation and allow a state and local tax deduction against the AMT.

As a New Jerseyan you are already paying too much in taxes; the AMT shouldn’t be added onto your costs. Congress needs to make fixing the AMT a priority. We need to turn the focus of Washington to the family budget and not the federal one.

Rep. Scott Garrett represents the 5th district of New Jersey.