Extenders

Make the so-called extenders package permanent. Uncertainty in the tax law breeds complexity. The constant need to extend certain Code provisions (such as AMT relief for individuals, the research and experimentation tax credit, and the work opportunity tax credit) adds confusion to the law and, in many cases, undermines the policy reasons for enacting the incentives in the first place. This is so because the provisions are intended to encourage particular activities but uncertainty surrounding whether the provisions will be extended leaves taxpayers unable to plan for those activities. The on-again, off-again nature of these provisions, coupled in some cases with retroactive enactment (which often necessitates the filing of an amended return), contributes mightily to the complexity of the law. These provisions should be enacted on a permanent basis.