In principle, people are willing to give up deductions in return for lower rates, but when questioned about specific deductions they usually support the big ones.
Under the proposal, Republicans would agree to limit certain itemized tax deductions in return for a permanent reduction in marginal tax rates.
Many charities and nonprofits, such as universities and arts groups, persuade Americans to donate by promising tax deductions in return for their generosity.
Classic tax reform, as Reagan achieved in the bipartisan tax reform of 1986, involves reducing loopholes, credits and deductions, in return for lower rates.
Getting a tax deduction worth 15% now in return for getting hit with a 35% tax later is no way to get rich.
They were willing to wipe the slate clean of virtually all deductions, credits, exemptions and exclusions in return for getting the top rate down to 20%.
In return for a monthly deduction from employees' salaries, the agency provides such services as medical and hospital insurance coverage, state-run clinics and dispensaries, low-interest loans for surgery and mortgages, retirement pensions for civil and state employees, and pensions for widows and child dependents.
An April 2011 Gallup poll found 60 percent to 70 percent of people opposing elimination of the home mortgage deduction, the deduction for state and local taxes or the deduction for charitable contributions, either to reduce the deficit or in return for lower tax rates.
A clear political bargain could be arranged: elimination of the AMT in return for scrapping favoured deductions.
