Concerns over taxing unrealized capital gains
Capital gains refer to the increase in value of an asset over time. When an asset is sold, and the increase in value is converted into cash, these are called realized capital gains, which are generally taxable. Unrealized gains, in contrast, are increases in value that have not yet been realized through a sale and are not presently subject to taxes.
The proposed unrealized capital gains tax by the Biden administration targets a narrow segment of the U.S. population. The proposal states that it will apply to “taxpayers with wealth (that is, the difference obtained by subtracting liabilities from assets) greater than $100 million.” Thus, it won't directly impact the majority of Americans.
Despite its limited scope, the proposal has stirred concerns, particularly regarding its complexity and feasibility of implementation.
One critical issue is market volatility. Asset values can significantly fluctuate, raising questions about the fairness and practicality of taxing these values based on a snapshot in time. For instance, one expert questioned whether, if a stock’s value rises one year and taxes are levied accordingly, but then the stock's value declines the next year, the taxpayer would receive a rebate.
Liquidity is another major concern. Owners of non-liquid assets like real estate might find themselves unable to pay taxes on unrealized gains without actually selling their assets, which could force untimely or undesirable sales.
Valuation could also be a challenge. Determining the accurate value of certain assets, particularly those not publicly traded, can be complex and subjective, leading to disputes and inconsistencies in tax assessments.
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Harris’s vision
Cuban highlighted that there are differences between Harris's approach and Biden's proposals. He noted that while Harris respects the president's initiatives, she views them as a starting point rather than a definitive plan.
“She's trying to be very respectful of the president and everything he's proposed. She's trying not to directly contradict him in any way,” Cuban said.
A significant divergence in their approaches is evident in their proposed capital gains tax rate for high earners.
Harris has proposed a long-term capital gains tax rate of 28% for those earning $1 million or more, which contrasts with Biden's 39.6% rate suggested in his fiscal 2025 budget.
Cuban supports Harris's lower rate, commenting on its fairness: "When I talked to them, I thought it was fair," he remarked.
Emphasizing her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, Harris proposed increasing the allowable tax deduction for startup expenses by tenfold, from $5,000 to $50,000.
Harris noted that it costs an average of about $40,000 to start a new business in America, which can be a “great financial barrier” holding entrepreneurs back.
“Not everyone has access to that kind of wealth and capital,” she stated. “So, part of my plan is we will expand the tax deduction for start-ups to $50,000. It’s essentially a tax cut for starting a small business.”
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