Shelley Berkley for Congress

Blocks Alternative Minimum Tax Liability for 25 Million Americans

(June 25, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.) More than 25 million Americans will be protected from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) under legislation cosponsored by Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives 233-189.

As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Berkley helped to craft the legislation eliminating AMT liability for 138,000 Nevadans.

“The AMT was never meant to target working families and this package will provide 138,000 Nevadans with vital tax relief,” said Berkley. “We are protecting 25 million Americans from having to pay the AMT next year and I hope we can work quickly to get this important package through the Senate and to the President for his signature.”

Originally designed to prevent extremely wealthy individuals from avoiding the payment of any taxes, the AMT over time has grown to include millions of middle class families. The AMT package will block liability for single taxpayers earning as little as $46,200 per year in adjusted gross income and for joint filers earning $69,950 or below in adjusted gross income annually.

“Given the tough times we are facing economically, this tax relief package is even more essential for middle class families already juggling higher prices for food, housing and the fuel needed to fill their cars and trucks,” said Berkley.