CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The election is now one week away. With people yet to vote, many are still looking at candidates’ plans for the future of this country.
One viewer wanted to know if presidents can make up tax code laws.
Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have different plans on how they want to handle taxes for the country.
OUR SOURCES:
THE QUESTION:
While there are processes in place to get tax laws passed, a viewer wanted to know if the president themself can make up the tax laws.
THE ANSWER:
Yes, the president can make an executive order and put a tax law in place. However, it’s very unlikely.
WHAT WE FOUND:
According to the IRS, federal taxes are proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives and follow a formal tax legislation process.
"Our tax laws all of them are made by representatives in Congress and the Senate -- they put forth a bill, they ratify it and then it goes to the Senate," Steber said.
If the bill passes the House and Senate, it will then head to the president's desk to be signed into law or vetoed. But can the president make up tax laws?
"The president does have tremendous powers with the executive order capability," Steber said.
Steber said technically the president can. However, it is very difficult.
“I don't think you will see a president use executive authority, especially on something like tax law,” he said. “The House and Senate can undo an executive order in the next day so if it was something that was really unpopular."
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.