Families across Louisiana are already doing their best to stretch every dollar. Groceries cost more, energy bills keep climbing, and homeownership feels further out of reach. The last thing they need is a tax hike from Washington—but unless Congress acts soon, that’s what’s coming.

At the end of 2025, key parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) will expire, triggering one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history. And while some in Washington like to pretend these tax cuts only helped corporations, the truth is they’ve been a lifeline for Louisiana’s working families, as noted recently by Americans for Tax Reform.

The average household in Louisiana saved $1,335 per year, thanks to TCJA. That’s real money—enough to cover several utility bills, help with car payments, or go toward school supplies and groceries. For families earning between $25,000 and $100,000—where many Louisianans fall—IRS data shows tax cuts between 16% and 18%.

Over 1.49 million households in Louisiana benefitted from the doubled standard deduction, which simplified tax filing and saved families time and money. Over 308,000 households received a boost from the doubled child tax credit, helping parents afford the rising cost of raising kids. And over 64,000 lower-income households were relieved from the Obamacare individual mandate tax, which penalized people for not having health insurance.

All of these gains are on the chopping block.

If Congress doesn’t make the TCJA permanent, families will pay more at tax time, even as they struggle to keep up with everyday expenses. The child tax credit will shrink, the standard deduction will be cut in half, and married couples could face the marriage penalty again. These aren’t line items on a spreadsheet—they’re costs that hit families at the kitchen table.

And for those who run a small business or side hustle, it gets even worse. TCJA included a 20% tax deduction for pass-through businesses like LLCs, sole proprietorships, and partnerships—exactly the kind of small operations that keep towns like Sulphur, Ruston, and Bossier City alive. If that expires, local businesses will face higher tax bills, making it harder to hire, give raises, or keep the doors open.

We’ve already seen what this kind of relief can do. Companies like Stine Home & Yard boosted salaries and 401(k) matches. LHC Group enhanced employee benefits and increased pay. Solscapes expanded operations and hired more workers. These investments financially improved communities, helping families build better lives.

Even everyday bills have been lighter because of TCJA. Utilities like Entergy and Cleco passed millions in tax savings back to Louisiana ratepayers. In many cases, this meant monthly bill reductions at a time when energy costs are already straining household budgets.

And don’t be fooled by claims that the TCJA only helped the rich. In fact, the tax code became more progressive, with upper-income earners paying a higher share of their income to taxes than lower-income earners, after the law passed. According to the Congressional Budget Office, high earners now pay a greater share of federal income taxes than before. Middle-class families saw real, lasting relief—and we can’t let Washington take it away.

The consequences of inaction would hit Louisiana harder than most. The state already ranks near the bottom in job growth, income growth, and population retention. We’ve lost billions in adjusted gross income from families moving to states with better opportunities. Raising taxes now would only accelerate that trend.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Congress must extend or, better yet, make the TCJA permanent. And Louisiana’s congressional delegation should lead the charge. Our state lawmakers should also add their voices to protect the working people they represent—families, small business owners, and young people trying to build a future here.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about politics—it’s about people. Keeping more of what you earn, supporting your kids, growing your business, and staying in the state you call home. That’s what these tax cuts have done for Louisiana. Let’s make sure we don’t lose them.