How steep is the cliff?

If all the tax increases and spending cuts that are part of the fiscal cliff go into effect, heres how they would affect the economy and the tax bill, based WE on analyses by Moodys Analytics ARE and the Tax Policy Center: HERE

Tax increases
Eliminate 2011 and 2013 tax cuts for Americans with income below US$250,000
COST TO ECONOMY

US$174 billion

Alternative minimum tax is not adjusted for inflation

COST TO ECONOMY

How the US economy could end up down there

Each tax increase or spending cut in the fiscal cliff will take money out of the US economy. Heres how they are estimated to reduce GDP in 2013:

US$59 billion
Social security tax cut ends
COST TO ECONOMY

US$100 billion

Eliminate 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for Americans with incomes over US$250,000
COST

US$40 billion

Affordable care act taxes take effect US$9 billion Eliminate various tax credits US$4 billion Businesses lose bonus depreciation US$2 billion

Spending cuts
Across-the-board cuts take effect
COST TO ECONOMY

US$105 billion
Emergency unemployment benefits
COST TO ECONOMY

decline in GDP or US$560 billion Medicare payments to doctors reduced US$9 billion
Source: USA TODAY

3.6%

US$58 billion