Wall Street Journal, What Will Tax Rates Look Like in 2013?, by Laura Saunders:

What will tax rates be in 2013? The Bush-era cuts in income, capital-gains and estate taxes enacted in 2001-03 expire on Dec. 31, when a two-year extension cobbled together by lawmakers in late 2010 runs out. Tax Report put this question to more than two dozen veteran experts, ranging from tax preparers, wealth planners and Washington insiders to professors and former top Treasury and IRS officials. …

What will  be the top rate on income for 2013? Almost all the experts expect the top income tax rate will remain 35%, perhaps as a result of a one-year extension of current rates, although a few think it could be as high as 40%.

What will be the top rate on long-term capital gains for 2013? Almost all expect the top capital gains rate will hold at 15%, with two guessing 20%. (This excludes the 3.8% tax on investment income taking effect for some in 2013.)

What will be the 2013 estate-tax exemption and the top estate- and gift-tax rate? All believe the exemption will remain $5 million; most believe the rate will remain 35%, with a very few guessing 40% or higher. …

Will there be fundamental tax reform in 2012?  Not a chance, say the experts. On this point, they were unanimous.