Rep. Mike Lawler Seeks to Raise the SALT Cap for Married Couples

By Matis Glenn

Freshman congressman Mike Lawler(N.Y.-17) called on Monday to double the SALT deductions married couples can file for when filing jointly.

Currently, single people can file for a maximum of $10,000 in State and Local Tax deductions. When married, that amount stays the same, effectively decreasing the total amount that can be deducted by half.

People who live in states with higher taxes, including New York, are able to recoup some of their losses by filing for deductions on the federal tax level. This provision, long derided by lower-taxed states as federal coercion to fund higher-taxed states, was drastically curbed under the Trump administration.

Lawler, a Republican, announced the “SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act” at a press conference in Clarkstown, N.Y, together with local officials. The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), who introduced a similar bill of her own in 2019, and Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-4).

“Hudson Valley families suffer under some of the highest taxes in the nation,” Lawler said. “The misguided SALT tax cap has only added to their pain in recent years. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act.”

Lawler mentioned his intention to lift the SALT cap entirely in an interview with Hamodia shortly after he won his seat.

“This bill will double the cap for married couples filing jointly to $20,000,” Lawler continued. “It’s the first in a series of bills, which I’m calling the Hudson Valley Affordability Pact, that will tackle cost-of-living and affordability issues in the 17th Congressional District and beyond.”