ECONOMY: BUSINESS TAXES

Politicians court the private sector, in part because rich political-action committees help fill campaign coffers. But when it comes to taxation, politicians have sometimes looked at business as the goose that lays the golden egg. Will the president over the next four years act any differently? BUSH

Corporate income taxes and capital-gains taxes - Proposes a 50 percent reduction in the capital-gains tax rate for businesses. In addition, supports a 15 percent investment-tax allowance for businesses to buy equipment and upgrade plants. Has also proposed making permanent the 20 percent research-and-development tax credit, which expired July 1, and has proposed reform of the annual minimum tax.

Family-leave policy - Wants to give a 20 percent refundable tax credit to any business with 500 or fewer employees which provides a worker with some form of emergency or family leave.

Taxing US subsidiaries of foreign companies - Has no proposals. The US Treasury does not believe there is much money to be gained here and fears a crackdown on foreign companies here will lead to a tightening on US companies abroad.

Environmental taxes - Opposes such taxes.

Tobacco and alcohol taxes - Opposes additional taxes. CLINTON

Corporate income taxes and capital-gains taxes - Would target a 50 percent reduction in the capital-gains rate to investment in new businesses held for five years.

Family-leave policy - Would mandate that employers provide a 12-week family leave period.

Taxing US subsidiaries of foreign companies - Wants to tighten regulations. His advisers believe they can collect several billion dollars a year from this source.

Environmental taxes - Has not made any proposals. However, his running mate, Sen. Al Gore, believes that over the long term, polluters should pay. Senator Gore has proposed a carbon-dioxide tax based on the amount of carbon dioxide put into the atmosphere. He has proposed a "virgin-materials fee," which is a tax on those using non-recycled material.

Tobacco and alcohol taxes - In Arkansas, he has steadily increased taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. However, in the campaign, he has not made any proposals to increase taxes in this area. PEROT

Corporate income taxes and capital-gains taxes - Would eliminate special tax breaks. In addition, he would cut the deduction for business meals and entertainment. Perot would provide a tax credit to companies investing in equipment that increases productivity. He also would give research-and-development tax credits.

Family-leave policy - No formal proposals on this subject.

Taxing US subsidiaries of foreign companies - Believes the US can get $21.4 billion over the next five years by tightening the tax code.

Environmental taxes - Makes a suggestion to "stop subsidizing inefficient, environmentally destructive activities in the mining and timber industries that promote private gain at public expense." However, he does not suggest any new taxes.

Tobacco and alcohol taxes - Would increase taxes on cigarettes.

* One in a series of articles summarizing the presidential candidates' positions on major campaign issues.