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Yes.
If enacted in Wisconsin, a “revenue-neutral” flat income tax of 5.22% would bring tax increases for the 96.6% of Wisconsin taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes between $20,000 and $300,000, according to a group of over two dozen economists.
More specifically, 72.5% of all filers would experience an average tax increase of $249, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Currently, income tax rates in the state range from 3.54% for couples earning up to $17,010 a year to 7.65% for couples earning more than $374,600 annually.
In a letter, the group of economists warned a flat tax “would increase taxes on the middle class and working poor while handing the very rich a handsome tax cut.”
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels said in October 2022 that he is open to a flat tax, but not if it would raise taxes for the lowest income Wisconsinites.
Sources
University of Pittsburgh: Revenue neutral flat tax distribution memo
Urban Milwaukee: Letter from more than two dozen economists on Wisconsin flat tax proposal
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Economists say Tim Michels’ flat tax idea would only benefit the rich
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: GOP governor candidate Tim Michels says he is open to a flat income tax for Wisconsin
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