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Windfall Profits Taxes on Oil and Gas in Europe

Windfall Profits Taxes on Oil and Gas Should Be Left in the Past

Windfall taxes, particularly those imposed on the oil and gas industry, often appear as a quick fix for governments seeking to raise revenue during periods of high commodity prices. However, while these taxes may offer short-term revenues, they can also trigger negative consequences that undermine their intended purpose.

21 min read
Summary of the Latest Federal Income Tax Data, Tax Year 2023 2026 update of IRS data of who pays federal income taxes the most

Summary of the Latest Federal Income Tax Data, Tax Year 2023

New IRS data shows the US federal income tax system continues to be progressive as high-income taxpayers pay the highest average income tax rates. Average tax rates for all income groups remain lower after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

6 min read
We are living in an age of hyperbole, or as writer Matthew Hennessey calls it, the “Age of Excusability,” in which our politicians succeed by making outlandish claims. So it goes with the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will usher in a new golden age or send us down the tubes for good, depending on your sources.

Testimony: The Impact of the 2025 Reconciliation Law’s Tax Changes on Small Businesses and Lessons for Future Tax Reform

Policymakers should broaden and make permanent full expensing for additional asset classes and pursue structural reforms that reduce distortions in how businesses are taxed. A more consistent and predictable policy environment, paired with targeted improvements to loss treatment, R&D incentives, and compliance burdens, would give small business owners greater confidence to invest, hire, and grow.

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We are living in an age of hyperbole, or as writer Matthew Hennessey calls it, the “Age of Excusability,” in which our politicians succeed by making outlandish claims. So it goes with the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will usher in a new golden age or send us down the tubes for good, depending on your sources.

Testimony: The Impact of the 2025 Reconciliation Law’s Tax Changes on Small Businesses and Lessons for Future Tax Reform

Policymakers should broaden and make permanent full expensing for additional asset classes and pursue structural reforms that reduce distortions in how businesses are taxed. A more consistent and predictable policy environment, paired with targeted improvements to loss treatment, R&D incentives, and compliance burdens, would give small business owners greater confidence to invest, hire, and grow.

Gas Tax Holidays

Gas Tax Holidays Sound Politically Tempting. Too Bad They Don’t Work.

Gas tax prices are soaring across the country, and lawmakers are naturally looking for ways to alleviate the pain at the pump. While gas tax holidays—which temporarily suspend fuel taxes to artificially lower the price of gas—are a politically welcomed intervention, taxpayers shouldn’t be so quick to celebrate.

Tax reform policy debate 2026, Trump tariff policy

In 2026, Both Parties Are Dodging the Truth on Taxes

As the policy debate for the next presidential election begins to take shape, both sides need to be honest about their plans for addressing the actual challenges our country faces.

Tax Education - girl in classroom

TaxEDU is designed to advance tax policy education, discussion, and understanding in classrooms, living rooms, and government chambers. It combines the best aspects of cutting-edge and traditional education to elevate the debate, enable deeper understanding, and achieve principled policy.

TaxEDU gives teachers the tools to make students better citizens, taxpayers a vocabulary to see through the rhetoric, lawmakers crash courses to write smarter laws, and videos and podcasts for anyone who wants to boost their tax knowledge on the go.

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  • Glossary

    Understand the terms of the debate with our comprehensive glossary, including over 100 tax terms and concepts.

  • Videos

    Our animated explainer videos are designed for the classroom, social media, and anyone looking to boost their tax knowledge on the go.

  • Educational Resources

    Our primers are classroom-ready resources for understanding key concepts in tax policy.

  • Principles

    Learn about the principles of sound tax policy—simplicity, transparency, neutrality, and stability—which should serve as touchstones for policymakers and taxpayers everywhere.

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    Our Tax Foundation University and State Tax Policy Boot Camp lecture series are designed to educate tomorrow's leaders on the principles of sound tax policy.