Jared Walczak

Will Illinois Double Down on High Taxes?

Amending the Illinois constitution and adopting a graduated-rate income tax cannot solve the state’s fundamental problems. Instead, it doubles down on an already uncompetitive tax code.

Are Pre-Filled Forms the Solution to Tax Compliance Costs?

Updated Kentucky Tax Reform Package Would Boost State from 33rd to 18th on the State Business Tax Climate Index (Updated)

New York’s SALT Avoidance Scheme Could Actually Raise Your Taxes

How an Unexpected Revenue Ruling Penalizes Capital Investment in Pennsylvania, and How Lawmakers Can Fix It

Failure to reverse this newly adverse treatment of capital investment makes it less likely that businesses will invest in Pennsylvania.

Two States Cut Taxes Due to Federal Tax Reform

California’s Corporate Income Tax Rate Could Rival the Federal Rate

Idaho Tax Reform Bill Advances

Iowa Governor Outlines Plan to Cut Rates and Repeal Federal Deductibility

State and Local Sales Tax Rates, 2018

In addition to state-level sales taxes, consumers also face local sales taxes in 38 states. These rates can be substantial, so a state with a moderate statewide sales tax rate could actually have a very high combined state and local rate.

Pennsylvania’s New Penalties on Investment Could Scare off Amazon, Others

While other states are working to promote growth, Pennsylvania is headed in the opposite direction with a policy that dramatically overtaxes investment.

The Capital Gains Tax is Back in Washington—and it’s Still an Income Tax

West Virginia Constitutional Amendment Would Roll Back Property Taxes on Machinery and Equipment

Governor Justice’s proposal to roll back West Virginia’s tangible personal property tax, a tax on equipment and machinery, is an opportunity improve the state’s outmoded property tax structure.

Tax Reform Moves to the States: State Revenue Implications and Reform Opportunities Following Federal Tax Reform

Federal tax reform gives states an opportunity to improve their own tax codes. This study surveys the federal provisions to which states conform, what each state can expect from federal tax changes, and what options are available to them.

Washington Legislature Considers B&O Tax Surcharge

Legislation introduced in Washington State correctly diagnoses the problem with the state’s B&O tax, but the proposed remedy could use some work.

New York Taxpayers Must Pay for Ill-Advised Lawsuit Seeking Tax Cuts for Wealthiest Residents

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are pursuing a questionable legal strategy to overturn the cap on a federal tax deduction that benefits the wealthy.

More States Considering Dubious SALT Charitable Contribution Workaround

California’s plan to circumvent the new state and local tax deduction cap is dubious, but now Illinois, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington are considering similar plans.

Mississippi Lawmakers Consider Creation of State Lottery

As Mississippi policymakers contemplate a lottery, it may be tempting to think of it as free money—new revenue raised without having to adopt a new tax. A better way of thinking about the issue, however, would recognize the lottery for what it is: a regressive form of high implicit taxation.

State Strategies to Preserve SALT Deductions for High-Income Taxpayers: Will They Work?

The scramble to restore the full state and local tax deduction for high-income taxpayers has resulted in inventive proposals that, for both legal and practical reasons, are unlikely to succeed.

What Percentage of Lottery Winnings Would be Withheld in Your State?

You probably aren’t going to win the Powerball jackpot, but your state already has. Here’s a look at lottery withholding tax rates by state.