One of the biggest running themes in the Democratic presidential primary is how the leading contenders want to tax the wealthy. Nearly all of the top eight candidates want to increase how much the rich pay in income taxes, while at least three support an additional wealth tax. Most also favor a carbon tax and making corporations pay a higher share of their profits.

As seven of those Democrats take the stage for their first debate following the Iowa caucus, Colorado State’s Steven Pressman examined their tax proposals and explained how economists like him think about tax policy.

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Warren and Sanders are the candidates with arguably the most aggressive plans to tax the rich. AP Photo/Meg Kinnard

Democratic plans for raising taxes on the rich: A guide for the middle class

Steven Pressman, Colorado State University

Every Democratic presidential candidate plans to raise taxes on wealthier Americans and corporations, but they differ in how to get there.

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