Brookings analysis says US households face $18,000 annual tax rise by 2036

2 articles · Updated · Fortune · Apr 30

Jessica Riedl’s 132-page study estimates stabilising debt at 100% of GDP would require about $2.6tn in extra annual revenue, roughly 15% of average household income.
It says taxing only the rich would fall well short; options that could close the gap include a 12-point rise in income tax rates, an 11.5-point payroll tax increase, or a 30% VAT.
The report argues persistent deficits and debt, already about $235,000 per household, leave mainstream Americans likely to bear much of the burden if spending cuts remain politically off limits.

Could capturing the $3.55 trillion in offshore wealth solve America's debt crisis without raising middle-class taxes?

Which proposed solution—a 30% VAT, a payroll tax hike, or an income tax surge—would least harm U.S. economic growth?

If 'everybody pays' is the new reality, what European-style social benefits will Americans get for their higher taxes?