August 1, 2004

Report Card on the 2004 Bush and Kerry Presidential Tax Plans

Download Report Card on the 2004 Bush and Kerry Presidential Tax Plans

As a service to taxpayers, Tax Foundation economists have graded the 2004 Bush and Kerry presidential tax plans based on five principles of sound taxation:

  • Simplicity: Taxes should be easy to understand and comply with.
  • Transparency: Taxes should not be hidden or misleading.
  • Stability: Taxes should not change continually.
  • Neutrality: Taxes should not attempt to micromanage the economy through targeted credits and deductions.
  • Growth-promotion: Taxes should be low and minimize interference in the marketplace.

Candidates were given letter grades from “A” to “F” based on how well their reported tax plans match up with these principles.

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