In 2006 (the latest year available), $706 billion of such income was reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Of this, about half was reported by households in the top marginal income tax rate. Interestingly, two-thirds of this income was reported by households making $250,000 per year or more the very same households that Obama wants to increase taxes on.
See also
* VP prospects move to fix flaws
* Controversy precedes Obama Germany visit
* McCain camp reassures GOP of finances
The Obama campaign maintains that the number of small-business owners is whats important. Economists know what matters is the tax rate thats applied to the bulk of small-business income. Make no mistake about it: Obamas plan to raise taxes on households making more than $250,000 will raise taxes on most small-business profits in America.
What type of tax rate are we talking about? Currently, S corporations face a top tax rate of 35 percent, while sole proprietors and general partners face a tax rate of 37.9 percent (since theyre responsible for paying both income tax and the Medicare component of the payroll tax).
Under Obamas plan to let the scheduled 2011 tax rate hikes occur, and his plan to raise the self-employment tax on those making more than $250,000,
the S corporation rate would rise from 35 percent to 39.6 percent. The sole proprietor and partner rate would rise from 37.9 percent all the way up to a staggering 50.3 percent. Many Democrats in Congress have proposed making all small businesses (including S corporations) pay this 50-plus percent rate. A small business tax rate that high would be the highest marginal rate faced by them in nearly a quarter-century.