Both the House and Senate GOP tax plans retain the Obamacare “individual shared responsibility payment.” This year it will cost $695 or 2.5% of household income, whichever is higher. The maximum amount is $2,085 (the total yearly premium for the national average price of a Bronze plan sold through the Marketplace). Yet, since the Republicans have a majority in the House and Senate, and can easily pass their tax bills with no Democratic votes, it is inexcusable that this Obamacare tax is not repealed in their tax bill. Especially since Republicans have no problem repealing the personal exemption. There is no sense keeping the Obamacare tax in order to get Democrats to support the tax bills. They will not support them anyway.

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