In 1969 when the Alternative Minimum Tax was first implemented, it guaranteed that millionaires and high-income individuals who paid little to no income tax would have to pay a minimum amount of taxes. Over the years the number of individuals who fell into this category has grown, along with the total revenue. Different measures have been taken through the years, such as The Tax Reform Act of 1986 which eliminated the partial exclusion of capital gains, reducing overall revenue at the time, but helping individual taxpayers. With 2011 on the horizon, the potential number of additional AMT taxpayers will increase to 25 million, if the current legislation is not extended. The question is, should you fear the AMT?
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