As the year 2025 draws nearer, GOP lawmakers and economists are engaging in heated discussions regarding the extension of the Trump tax cuts, originally implemented in 2017. With key tax policies set to expire soon, many stakeholders, including business owners and parents of tipped workers, are concerned about how potential changes could impact their finances. Some economists advocate for a flat tax system as a more effective alternative, arguing that it may enhance economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, GOP leadership, including Speaker Johnson, is faced with the challenge of navigating a divided party while pushing for the renewal of these tax cuts, which have been criticized for exacerbating income inequality. As lawmakers prepare to address this issue in the new Congress, the implications for taxpayers and the broader economy remain uncertain.