In just six months, the largest tax hikes in American history will take effect. They will hit families and small businesses in three great waves beginning Jan. 1.

First will be the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax relief laws. Personal income tax brackets will rise to as high as 39.6 percent. The Death Tax will return. There will be higher taxes on savers and investors.

Second there will be over 20 new or higher taxes under Obamacare. They include the Medicine Cabinet Tax, the Special Needs Kids Tax and the Health Savings Account Withdrawal Tax.

Third will be Alternative Minimum Tax and employer tax hikes. The AMT will have to be paid by 28 million families, up from 4 million last year. Taxpayers will have to calculate their tax burdens twice, and pay taxes at the higher level. Charitable contributions from IRAs will no longer be allowed. Small business expensing will be slashed, and taxes will be raised on all types of businesses.

Get ready.

Mark Mayfield, Ridgeland