President Obama is demanding that the rich chip in more to boost the nation's coffers.
The Republican candidates are pushing for lower tax rates, which they say will boost the economy. They also want to reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes, a move that generally benefits the wealthy.
Taxes have played a major role in the widening divide between the rich and poor in recent years, according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service.
CNNMoney looks at some of the big tax gifts Washington has given the richest Americans.
More than a third of Americans lived in households receiving government assistance in mid-2010.
