© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Alternative Minimum Tax and You

The Alternative Minimum Tax was originally designed to ensure that ultra-wealthy taxpayers don't evade taxes through excessive deductions. But now it is hitting a growing number of middle-income families. And with a rate that hovers from 26 to 28 percent, the AMT can severely alter a tax return.

While the tax itself is fairly obscure to the American public, some of its rules -- and how it works -- are even murkier to many taxpayers. It remains to be seen what Congress and the IRS can do to improve the program. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with Sandra Block, personal finance columnist for USA Today.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.
With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.