ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX

n A temporary wall preventing the alternative minimum tax from reaching into the middle class expires on Dec. 31. Both the House and Senate have passed bills keeping that wall in place next year but the issue has become entangled with the debate over capital gains and dividends. Democrats say there’s no urgency to pass tax breaks for investment income, which don’t expire until 2008, when millions of families could face higher taxes next month. Any deal next year on the AMT could be made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006.

HURRICANE KATRINA

n The House and Senate passed separate packages of tax incentives to lure businesses and jobs back into the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Lawmakers want to finish this bill before the end of the year.