A Democratic bill with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2821)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Stock Buyback Accountability Act of 2026 seeks to change the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It increases the excise tax rate on the repurchase of corporate stock from 1 percent to 4 percent. The bill also modifies how adjustments are made for stock issued to certain people, specifically excluding covered employees and those receiving over $1,000,000 in remuneration.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?
Increases the excise tax rate on corporate stock repurchases from 1 percent to 4 percent.
- Scored +4
Does this raise taxes on the highest earners?
Limits tax adjustments for high-earners receiving over $1,000,000 in remuneration.
- Scored +3
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
Expected to increase federal tax revenue through higher excise taxes on buybacks.
The opposite· 3 of 7
- Scored -7
Would billionaires be better off under this?
Directly impacts the mechanism often used by major shareholders to return value or manage stock prices.
- Scored -6
Would business owners be better off under this?
Increases the cost for corporations to engage in stock repurchases.
- Scored -6
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?
Specifically targets high-remuneration individuals and stock buyback activities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Tax Revenue: By increasing the excise tax rate on corporate stock repurchases from 1 percent to 4 percent under Section 2(a), the government may collect more revenue.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Higher Costs for Corporations: Section 2(a) increases the tax rate on repurchasing corporate stock to 4 percent, which creates a higher financial burden for companies engaging in stock buybacks.
- Reduced Tax Exceptions for High Earners: Section 2(b) removes certain tax adjustments for stock provided to covered employees or persons receiving remuneration over $1,000,000, meaning these specific individuals or the corporations providing the stock may face a higher tax burden.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would billionaires be better off under this? — Directly impacts the mechanism often used by major shareholders to return value or manage stock prices. Would business owners be better off under this? — Increases the cost for corporations to engage in stock repurchases. Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this? — Specifically targets high-remuneration individuals and stock buyback activities. Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this? — Higher taxes on buybacks can reduce shareholder value and dividends for wealthy investors. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Increases tax burdens on executives and high-earning employees receiving stock. Would retired people be better off under this? — May negatively impact the value of retirement portfolios heavily invested in corporations that utilize buybacks.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this raise the taxes companies pay? — Increases the excise tax rate on corporate stock repurchases from 1 percent to 4 percent. Does this raise taxes on the highest earners? — Limits tax adjustments for high-earners receiving over $1,000,000 in remuneration. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — Expected to increase federal tax revenue through higher excise taxes on buybacks. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Increases government revenue streams through targeted corporate taxes. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Higher corporate taxes on buybacks may reduce the capital available for corporate investment or shareholder returns.
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2821)
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts