As a result of the Budget Control Act of 2011 , mandatory federal spending cuts, commonly known as “sequestration,” are required. This law is expected to generate spending cuts of $109 billion in the first year and $1.2 trillion through 2021. Sequestration was originally expected to begin January 2, 2013, but was postponed for two months through the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 , passed on December 31, 2012.
The Supreme Court upheld President Obama’s health care overhaul, holding that it is constitutional in substantially all respects. The ruling further confirms that major changes are coming as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Tax Credits Reconciliation Act of 2010 . The acts have tax and penalty implications for both individuals and businesses.