
Jared Walczak is Vice President of State Projects at the Tax Foundation. He is the lead researcher on the annual State Business Tax Climate Index and Location Matters, and has authored or coauthored tax reform guides on Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Jared’s work is regularly cited in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Politico, AP, and many other prominent national and state outlets.
He previously served as legislative director to a member of the Senate of Virginia and as policy director for a statewide campaign, and consulted on research and policy development for a number of candidates and elected officials. In his free time, Jared enjoys hiking and has a goal of visiting all 63 national parks.
Latest Work



Tax Trends Heading Into 2019
In 2019, key trends in state tax policy include reductions in corporate tax rates, updating sales tax systems to include remote online sales, taxes on marijuana and sports betting, gross receipts taxes, and more. Explore our new 2019 guide!
32 min read
South Carolina: A Road Map For Tax Reform
South Carolina is by no means a high tax state, though it can feel that way for certain taxpayers. The problems with South Carolina’s tax code come down to poor tax structure. Explore our new comprehensive guide to see how South Carolina can achieve meaningful tax reform.
16 min read


Results of 2018 State and Local Tax Ballot Initiatives
Ballot initiatives are often an afterthought on Election Day, but in many states, voters went to the polls to weigh in on significant tax policy questions. Here are the most recent results we’ve compiled for tax-related ballot measures.
5 min read

Top State Tax Ballot Initiatives to Watch in 2018
Explore our list of the top state tax ballot measures to watch for throughout the country.
11 min read



2019 State Business Tax Climate Index
Our 2019 State Business Tax Climate Index compares each state on over 100 variables including corporate, individual, property, and sales taxes. How does your state rank?
17 min read


Pennsylvania: A 21st Century Tax Code for the Commonwealth
Policymakers from across the spectrum recognize that Pennsylvania’s tax code has not kept up with a 21st century economy. Here are comprehensive solutions for how Pennsylvania can achieve a more competitive tax code.
13 min read

What to Expect from IRS Guidance on SALT Deduction Cap Workarounds
While a few are hoping for a different outcome, most observers expect the IRS to disallow these new, intentional SALT workarounds that have been adopted by New York and a handful of other states.
7 min read
State Tax Implications of Federal Tax Reform in Virginia
Virginia has an opportunity to improve its tax competitiveness following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Inaction will result in higher taxes.
14 min read
Enhancing Tax Competitiveness in Connecticut
Connecticut has failed to live up to the expectations of 1991. Changes intended to make tax collections more stable, combined with constraints intended to promote fiscal prudence, have strayed far wide of the mark. To turn things around, Connecticut needs a more competitive tax code.
32 min read