A married couple in a New York City suburb has estimated state income tax of $17,290; their annual mortgage interest deduction is $14,000; and they pay property tax of $13,750 -- about the same amount they donate to charity.

Although the bills would take a bite out of their deductions and exemptions, this couple would benefit from enhanced child tax credits and from avoiding the alternative minimum tax. (The House bill would repeal the individual AMT; the Senate bill would raise the thresholds at which it applies -- until 2026.) Many more families would qualify for the child tax benefit in 2018, Steffen said. Only one of the eight households in these scenarios would qualify under current law, but that would rise to five under the House bill and three under the Senate bill.

Single in Manhattan

This New York City renter pays estimated state income tax of $8,148 and gives about $6,500 to charity.

The Senate plan would shave off close to $1,300 in net federal tax paid in 2018. It’s not nothing, but it’s hardly life-changing.

Married in Austin

This young couple rents and has income of $100,000. They give $5,000 a year to charity.

The House bill’s $300 family credit would be available for any family member who doesn’t qualify for the child credit, so that’s $300 for each spouse. And the increased standard deduction in both bills would help this childless couple get a substantial break.

Median Income in Portland