Taxes

Key Findings Research almost invariably shows a negative relationship between income tax rates and gross domestic product (GDP). The mobility of higher-skilled and higher income earners in an open economy works against the effort of progressive state and local tax systems to achieve long-term redistribution of income. The likelihood of an employed head of household

The Republican Study Committee (RSC) released its FY 2023 budget today, led by Budget and Spending Task Force Chair Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) and RSC Chairman Jim Banks (R-IN), and prescribes several pro-growth tax reforms that would simplify the tax code and encourage business investment. Among the most impactful reforms are permanence for the Tax

This week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will testify before the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Proposals. Combined with the tax increases in the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), which the budget assumes becomes law, President Biden would raise revenues by $4 trillion on

Today’s map looks at which states levy a gross receipts tax, which is often considered one of the most economically damaging taxes. Shifting from state gross receipts taxes would represent a pro-growth change to make tax codes friendlier to businesses and consumers alike, which is especially necessary in an increasingly mobile economy. Gross receipts taxes are applied

Hey, you. Did you know you don’t have to be a tax genius to file your own taxes? How to DIY your tax return We get it — filing your own tax return can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. But once you get started, you might realize it’s much easier than you

If you are one of the many Americans who got a significant refund after filing this year, you might be wondering how you should invest your tax refund. 1. Stash it in a savings account or emergency fund. While saving may not be the most exciting option, it’s always good to have some cash on

It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out as a small business owner or you’ve been doing it for a while now — we all know mixing business with pleasure can be a slippery slope. Some businesses, such as LLCs and corporations, are required to keep their business and personal finances separate. When you are

Let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief — this year’s filing season is finally over. Now that tax filing is behind you, what could you have done differently? One common mistake taxpayers often make is waiting until tax time to think about their taxes. But by thinking ahead and making some financial tweaks now,

Last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its long overdue report on the nation’s budget and economic outlook for the years 2022 through 2032. Normally published at the beginning of the year, the delayed report reflects higher-than-anticipated inflation, tax revenues, deficits, and debt since the previous update CBO published nearly a year ago in

Over the past decade, the state tax landscape has grown increasingly competitive as policymakers have sought to attract investment and promote economic opportunity and growth in their states. The past two years in particular have seen an extraordinary increase in tax reform efforts, given states’ strong revenue growth despite the pandemic and policymakers’ desire to

Today we continue our map series on the 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index with a map showing states’ rankings on the Index’s sales and excise tax component. The sales tax rate and structure can make a state more or less attractive to businesses for two key reasons: (1) some states apply the sales tax to business inputs, which drives up

A decade after Kansas’s failed tax experiment, memories linger and continue to color the debate on tax reform and tax relief across the country, no matter how dissimilar other states’ plans are from the unbalanced and imprudent plan championed by then-Gov. Sam Brownback (R). The Kansas experience is so infamous that “what about Kansas?” is

As out-of-control inflation strains families’ budgets, lawmakers across the country are casting about for ways to respond. In Oklahoma, legislators have proposed sending taxpayers $75 checks in December ($150 for married couples) to help blunt the impact of higher prices. In one respect, it’s a drop in the bucket, with inflation costing the average household

One of the hardest parts about doing your taxes? Waiting for that refund to hit your bank account. If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, here’s how you can check on the status of your refund — and when you can expect to have that cash in hand. Ways to check the status of

Updated for tax years 2021 and 2022. If you have a story, inspiration, or anything else you want to tell the world, there’s never been a better time to do it. It’s easier than ever before for authors to self-publish their work and get paid. The traditional publishing gatekeepers can’t stop you now! There are

Last month the European Union (EU) gave the final green light to update the EU Value-added Tax (VAT) Directive and broaden the list of goods and services to which two reduced VAT rates can be applied while allowing for a reduced VAT rate below 5 percent for the first time. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,

Updated for tax years 2021 and 2022. Surprise — Mom and Dad gave you a nice check! Maybe it’s enough for dinner, or maybe it’s something more substantial. Either way … are there any tax implications for receiving such a gift? How much is the annual gift tax for 2021? First, let us put your

This week it was reported that during her recent trip Poland, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen offered estimates from the EU Tax Observatory as evidence that the Polish government would benefit from supporting the global tax deal. Poland has been cautious to lend its support to the EU legislation to implement the minimum tax rules, and

The Tax Foundation respectfully submits comment on the state tax and revenue implications of the proposed tobacco product standard for menthol in cigarettes. Alongside the intended consequence of limiting sales of menthol cigarettes, menthol cigarette prohibition will have a significant impact on state revenue collections, in excess of the losses associated with individuals who respond

Updated for tax year 2021 The Child Tax Credit (CTC) underwent some hefty changes in 2021: Max credit amount: The credit’s maximum amount increased from the original $2,000 per child to up to $3,000 per qualifying child age 6-17 and up to $3,600 for children ages 5 and under in 2021. Child’s age: Children ages 17 and