Tuberville, GOP Senators moving to repeal federal estate tax once and for all

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February 17, 2025

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has reintroduced legislation that would repeal the federal estate tax after a century of controversy and debate.

According to Tuberville, the tax — more commonly known as ‘the death tax’ — is “purely punitive” and particularly hurts ranches, farms, and other agricultural small businesses across America.

The Death Tax Repeal Act, would also end generation-skipping transfer taxes, reduce the federal gift tax from 40% to 35%, and retain the full step-up in basis.

46 Republicans in the U.S. Senate are signed onto the legislation, including Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery).

“The Death Tax destroys American jobs by stifling profitable businesses that employ hardworking Americans,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn).

“Our government should be focused on creating an economic environment that preserves small businesses and family farms, instead of taxing them out of operation. I will keep pushing for policies that incentivize our next generation of farmers and business owners so that we can continue to rely on their contributions for a strong economy.”

In June of 2024, Tuberville authored an op-ed arguing against the tax.

“A generational passing-down of farm ownership from grandparents to parents to sons and daughters is a tradition understood and respected across centuries of farming.” wrote Tuberville. “However, this transition can involve a hefty tax, which often jeopardizes the future of an operation.”

“We must protect our family farms and ensure they continue to feed American families for generations to come. As the global population continues to rise and the average age of a U.S. farmer approaches 60 years old, we should cut red tape to let our farmers focus on doing what they do best – farm.”

The bill has been endorsed by more than 190 members of the Family Business Coalition and more than 105 members of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition.

The U.S. is home to over 2 million farms, with 44,000 of them in Alabama. 97% of farms across the country are family-owned operations.

Republicans have sought to repeal the federal estate tax since the 1920. Despite close attempts in recent years, including a House-passed repeal in 2015, the tax remains a lingering issue — potentially to be solved during the current 119th Congress, which wields GOP majorities in both chambers.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten