Tax Policy Blog

Spain’s COVID-19 Economic Response

Spain’s policy response needs to be broad and in keeping with long-term objectives. It is paramount that the short-term harm caused by this outbreak does not turn into a long-term economic downturn.

Evaluating the Trade-offs of Unemployment Compensation Changes in the CARES Act

Policymakers must weigh the trade-offs of subsidizing unemployment with mitigating community spread of coronavirus.

India Pushes Digital Taxes in a Difficult Time

Even during the coronavirus outbreak, efforts to change the way digital business models are taxed continue. India announced this week that its tax aimed at foreign digital companies, the “equalization levy,” will be expanded.

Denmark Unplugs the Economy

Denmark, a high-tax country with 5.5 million citizens, has implemented policies designed to avoid layoffs and bankruptcies and basically unplug the economy during the pandemic.

A German Export for Times of Crises: The Short-Time Work Scheme

One of the most talked about government economic responses to the COVID-19 crisis is Germany’s Kurzarbeit: the German short-work subsidy scheme.

Weighing the Value of Tax Credits During an Economic Crisis

One idea under consideration is adjusting existing tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), to provide financial relief during the crisis.

State Aid Provisions of the Federal Coronavirus Response Bill

To be eligible for federal funding, state expenditures must meet certain conditions. We break down the state aid coronavirus provisions in the latest federal bill.

Working from Home Brings Greater Exposure to State Tax Codes

During the present crisis, remote work has become a necessity for many people. The tax implications, however, are very real and potentially quite complex.

What Happens with State Excise Tax Revenues During a Pandemic?

States will have to consider the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their excise tax revenues, including from gas taxes, tobacco taxes, and alcohol taxes.

Tracking Economic Relief Plans Around the World during the Coronavirus Outbreak

Countries around the world are implementing emergency tax measures to support their economies under the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat.

Australia’s COVID-19 Support Focuses on Grants to Individuals and Small Businesses

In contrast to the sweeping economic relief plan being considered by the U.S. Congress, the approach taken by the Australian government is much more targeted to supporting individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.

Norway Opens the Fiscal Toolbox

Norway passed a large coronavirus tax relief package to address layoffs and bankruptcies, which includes a reduced VAT rate, the introduction of a loss carryback provision, and targeted postponements for wealth tax payments, among other provisions.

Review and Analysis of House Democrats Coronavirus Response Bill

The proposed Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act can be contrasted with the Senate Republican CARES Act, although they share some similarities by providing individual taxpayers with a rebate and modifying business tax provisions to provide liquidity for struggling firms.

What Should Coronavirus Response Legislation Look Like?

As lawmakers debate how to respond to the coronavirus crisis, they should focus the legislative response to the emergency at hand, using principled policy solutions to provide relief to those affected. Attempts to use the crisis to make other, unrelated policy changes should be avoided.

New York’s Road to Legalized Marijuana

Overview of Previous Tax Rebates During Economic Downturns

The timing from enactment to distribution has varied from about one and a half months to more than two months, indicating that it has historically taken a significant amount of time for individual taxpayers to receive their rebates after the policies have been put in place.

Economic Relief Plans Around the World During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Countries around the world are implementing emergency tax measures to support their debilitated economies under the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat.

Are States Prepared for Skyrocketing Unemployment Insurance Claims?

Unemployment claims are going to tax state unemployment compensation trust funds beyond their limits. We need to start thinking about what to do about it.

States Should Follow Federal Lead in Postponing Tax Day

The federal government moved tax day from April 15 to July 15 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, granting more time for both filing and payment. But for many taxpayers, it might not matter much if states don’t follow suit.

Lawmakers Concerned that Delay in Tax Filing Deadline Not Fully Understood

The U.S. Treasury Department has pushed the April 15 tax payment deadline to July 15. However, taxpayers still have to file their tax returns by the usual April 15 deadline.