加州要对亿万富豪一次性“收割”5%？有人连夜搬家

Core Viewpoint - The proposed "Billionaire Tax" in California aims to impose a one-time 5% tax on the assets of billionaires, which has sparked significant backlash from the wealthy, with some threatening to relocate [2][3]. Group 1: Tax Proposal Details - The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act intends to collect approximately $100 billion from over 200 billionaires in California, based on Forbes' valuations [3]. - The tax will cover a wide range of assets, including private company equity, publicly traded stocks, personal assets over $5 million, and retirement accounts exceeding $10 million, with a notable exemption for real estate held in revocable trusts [3][4]. - The proposal allows billionaires to pay the tax in installments over five years, with interest, and offers a "selective deferred tax account" for those holding illiquid assets [4]. Group 2: Legislative Process and Challenges - The proposal must gather 875,000 valid signatures by June 30 to be placed on the ballot for a vote in November [9]. - Even if passed, the tax is expected to face legal challenges, with the proposal's authors attempting to mitigate potential litigation through careful drafting [9]. - The proposal includes measures to prevent asset undervaluation or concealment, with specific valuation methods outlined for different asset types [8]. Group 3: Economic Implications - Critics argue that the tax could drive tech entrepreneurs and their businesses out of California, potentially leading to a decline in state income tax revenue [2][9]. - The California Legislative Analyst's Office has indicated that the tax could result in the state losing hundreds of millions in personal income tax revenue annually if billionaires relocate [9]. - The current personal income tax rate in California is already the highest in the U.S. at 13.3%, with additional taxes on high earners [10]. Group 4: Broader Context - California is not alone in its high tax rates, as New York City also has a high combined state and city tax rate, raising concerns among billionaires about potential tax increases [11]. - The proposal has raised fears that it may hinder the economic recovery of the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly in the booming AI sector [10].