Supreme Court Showdown: The Fate of American Wealth Taxes

Some politicians’ dreams of imposing a wealth tax on the richest Americans face a critical juncture as the United States Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on a seemingly minor tax dispute involving a $14,729 tax liability. The case, known as Moore v. United States, challenges a provision of President Donald Trump's 2017 tax package – and it could have far-reaching implications for the nation's tax system.

Calls for a wealth tax gained momentum following Senator Elizabeth Warren's 2020 presidential campaign and found echoes in President Joe Biden's 2024 budget, which proposed a "billionaire minimum tax." However, the fate of these proposals now rests on the Supreme Court's deliberation on the constitutionality of taxing stock holdings, real estate, and other forms of wealth.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images News via Getty Images

At the center of the case are Charles and Kathleen Moore from Washington State. The couple is challenging a one-time levy on offshore earnings. However, questions about the accuracy of their presented personal story have surfaced, raising concerns about the foundation of their constitutional challenge. Charles Moore's five-year tenure on the board of KisanKraft – the company central to the case – along with a significant cash contribution, brings into question the legitimacy of their challenge.

Legal experts, including University of Florida tax policy specialist Mindy Herzfeld, who spoke to The Washington Post, caution against deciding constitutional matters based on potentially inaccurate facts, emphasizing the potential risks to the Court's credibility.

Herzefeld said making a decision based on dubious information “risks undermining the Court’s legitimacy and creating the impression that its docket and its decisions are too easily manipulated by politically motivated interest groups.”

SCOTUS justices are now tasked with determining whether the tax on offshore earnings, a part of Trump's 2017 tax cut, aligns with Congress's limited powers of taxation granted by the Constitution. Advocates fear that a ruling against this provision could set a precedent, blocking future attempts by Congress to impose taxes, including the aforementioned wealth tax championed by longtime Senator Elizabeth Warren.

The case has garnered support from an unusual coalition, with both the Biden administration and conservatives like former House speaker Paul D. Ryan defending the offshore-earnings tax. Their concern lies not in endorsing a wealth tax but in preventing potential upheaval of existing taxes on investments, partnerships, and foreign income.

The Supreme Court's decision could have profound consequences, potentially affecting a wide range of taxes. The Moore’s’ challenge revolves around IRS tax code Section 965, a provision that is forecasted to raise over $300 billion in a decade, with implications reaching into areas like partnership earnings. In theory, this could cost the government over $3 trillion in the next 10 years, according to the Tax Foundation.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear this landmark case on December 5, the future of wealth taxes and the stability of the nation's tax system hang in the balance. The decision may not only shape the immediate tax landscape but could reverberate across various aspects of financial policy, influencing the ongoing debate on wealth inequality in the United States.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and bookkeeping tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

Junglebooks Affiliate Program

Why Partner with Us?

With years of experience and a team of certified professionals, we deliver exceptional results to our clients.

Industry-Leading Expertise

Our firm is a leader in the accounting industry, providing comprehensive services that include tax preparation, bookkeeping, financial planning, and business consulting. With years of experience and a team of certified professionals, we deliver exceptional results to our clients.

Attractive Commissions

We value our affiliates and offer competitive commission rates for every client you refer who signs up for our services. The more clients you refer, the more you earn.

Comprehensive Support

We provide our affiliates with all the resources needed to succeed, including marketing materials, dedicated support, and regular updates on our services. You’ll have everything you need to effectively promote our firm and earn commissions.

Trusted Reputation

Our firm has built a solid reputation for excellence and trustworthiness. When you refer clients to us, you can be confident that they will receive the highest level of service and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

This firm prepares tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Our firm’s seasoned professionals are experts in all areas of taxation including:


  • Individual Returns
  • Payroll Tax Issues
  • Business Returns
  • Sales Tax Returns
  • Rental Income Returns
  • Business Consultation
  • Expatriate Returns
  • Fiduciary & Estate Returns
  • Corporation Returns
  • Bookkeeping
  • Partnership Returns
  • LLC Returns

Our firm offers a full range of planning services including, but not limited to:


  • Individual Tax Planning
  • Business Tax Planning
  • Business Organization
  • Rental Properties
  • Foreclosures and Repossessions
  • Retirement
  • Investments
  • Sales and Exchanges
  • Pension Plans
  • Education Planning
  • Finance & Refinance Planning
  • Home Purchase and Sale Planning
We are here for you twelve months a year, not just during tax season. Whether you have a simple tax question, need advice on the tax implications of a business decision, or want clarification on a government notice, feel free to give us a call.
We maintain a policy of the strictest confidence concerning our clients’ affairs. You can rest assured that no one will learn about your business or tax status – even relatives, associates or friends who might have referred you to us.