I can provide a specific example (for me personally).
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Let's take the moving expenses deduction. That benefits mostly middle and upper class folks like you and I. We're lawyers. Lawyers often move from state to state or even across the country. I took advantage of the moving expenses deduction when I moved to DC and then back to Portland. Each time, I moved specifically to start a new job, moved more than 50 miles, and was working in that same full-time job for at least 39 weeks after the move. And thanks to that deduction, I was able to save more on my taxes through itemized deductions than the standard deduction -- to the tune of about $500 if I remember correctly.
That's great. I was an upper-middle-class professional and took advantage of it. But most middle class taxpayers wouldn't qualify because if they ever do change jobs, it's usually to a location within 50 miles of where they live.
Also, part-time workers don't qualify at all. So the typical working class taxpayer working two part-time jobs couldn't take advantage of it.
Also, take a look at this Washington Post analysis:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/politics/tax-breaks/?utm_term=.23e51f9736c7
Most of the itemized deductions benefit upper middle class and wealthy folks more than middle class, working class, and low income folks.
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Responses:
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