Where the 2020 Presidential Candidates Stand on Tax Policy

Updated November 6, 2020

How would the 2020 presidential candidates change the tax code? We dig into the details of their latest proposals.

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Asterisks denote candidates who suspended their campaigns after this tool was launched.

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Overview
D

Joe Biden

Revenue Impact (2021–30)

$2.1 trillion (0.8 percent of GDP)

Percent Change in After-Tax Income (2022)

-10%-5%0%5%QuintileQ1Q2Q3Q4Q5

Note: These estimates were corrected on November 6, 2020. More details are available here.

See the analysis

Overview of tax proposals

Joe Biden would increase income and payroll taxes for high-income individuals and corporations; expand the child and dependent care tax credit, the earned income tax credit, and the premium tax credit; create a new renter’s tax credit; and enhance incentives to save for retirement and purchase homes. Under his plan, estate taxes would be increased. He would eliminate tax preferences for fossil fuels and increase tax incentives to use energy-efficient technologies. His plan would also force big banks to pay a financial risk fee.

Overview
R

Donald Trump

Overview of tax proposals

Donald Trump has proposed a permanent extension of the individual income and estate tax provisions that were included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He has also proposed a reduction in payroll taxes. His plan includes an expansion of opportunity zones as well as tax incentives for some US businesses to shift certain operations from foreign countries to the US.