Wisconsin Watch partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.
Yes.
The Republican leader of the Wisconsin Senate recently proposed a flat tax that would reap annual savings for millionaires in excess of $100,000.
The proposal would gradually reduce income tax rates until 2026, when a single rate of 3.25% would apply. Wisconsin currently has four brackets: 3.54%, 4.65%, 5.3% and 7.65%.
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau said those making $1 million or more would save an average of $112,167 in 2026. The median tax filer making between $60,000 and $70,000 would get an average tax decrease of $690.
Under the plan, Wisconsin’s income tax revenue would drop by $2 billion in the 2023-24 tax year and $5 billion annually by 2026-27, the LFB said.
Gov. Tony Evers, who supports a progressive tax system, has vowed to veto the proposal.
Fourteen states have or are implementing a flat tax, the Tax Foundation reported in November.
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
PBS Wisconsin: LeMahieu proposes flat income tax rate for Wisconsin by 2026
State of Wisconsin | Department of Revenue: Tax Rates
Legislative Fiscal Bureau: Individual Income Tax Four-Year Phase-In of 3.25% Tax Rate
AP News: Wisconsin Gov. Evers opposes GOP flat income tax cut plan
Tax Foundation: States Inaugurate a Flat Tax Revolution
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
