When President Obama was running for office in 2008, he repeatedly pledged not to raise taxes on people making less than $250,000 a year. He initially broke this promise when he signed into law the expansion of SCHIP, and Obamacare adds even more. Today Americans for Tax Reform published a comprehensive list of tax hikes in Obamacare, most of which raise taxes on the middle class. Excluding the question of the mandate itself, here is a list.

Direct tax hikes on the middle class due to Obamacare:

• Reduction of Health Savings Accounts
  
• Flexible Spending Account purchases of over the counter medication
  
• Increased penalties on early withdrawals from HSAs
  
• Medical itemized deduction cap
  
• The Cadillac Tax on union members and others with extensive policies
  
• Taxes on indoor tanning
  
• Codification of the "economic substance doctrine"
  
• Taxes due to increased 1099 reporting
  

Indirect tax increases which will be paid by the middle class:

• Tax on medical devices used by the middle class
  
• Taxes on prescription medications
  
• Taxes on health insurance
  
• Taxes on Charitable hospitals
  
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield tax hike
  
• Increased taxes on employer provided drug benefits in conjunction with Medicare part D