Individual and Consumption Taxes

Shaky Economic and Fiscal Outlook Requires Stable and Pro-Growth Tax Extenders Policy

Policymakers face a difficult balancing act this year in what is likely to be an unusual tax extenders season.

Comparing Europe’s Tax Systems: Individual Taxes

France’s individual income tax system is the least competitive among OECD countries. France’s top marginal tax rate of 45.9 percent is applied at 14.7 times the average national income. Additionally, a 9.7 surtax is applied to those at the upper end of the income distribution. Capital gains and dividends are both taxed at comparably high top rates of 34 percent.

Lesson Plan: Average vs. Marginal Tax Rates

In this lesson plan, students will know how average and marginal tax rates are calculated. Students will compare the two tax rates. Students will learn how marginal and average tax rates combine to impact the taxpayer and economy.

Difficult Trade-Offs Make Policy Consensus on Child Tax Credit Elusive

As we near this year’s “lame duck” session of Congress, there has been renewed interest in reforming the child tax credit as part of a tax deal. Our new analysis highlights the trade-offs that policymakers will face

How the Inflation Reduction Act Affects the Future of U.S.-EU Tax and Trade Cooperation

the Inflation Reduction Act gives us a glimpse into a future where the U.S. and EU opt for protectionist tax and trade policies rather than implementing principled tax policies and reducing trade barriers between allies.

How High Are Taxes on Recreational Marijuana in Your State?

Recreational marijuana taxation is one of the hottest policy issues in the U.S. Currently, 19 states have implemented legislation to legalize and tax recreational marijuana sales.

Maryland Court Strikes a Blow to Digital Advertising Taxes

The first-in-the-nation digital advertising tax was recently struck down by a Maryland circuit court on three separate grounds. Other states might want to avoid getting themselves into this situation in the first place.

Putting a Face on America’s Estate Tax Returns

While supporters of the federal estate tax may be correct that only a fraction of estate tax returns eventually pays the estate tax, IRS data shows that it disproportionately impacts estates tied to successful privately owned businesses. Thus, it acts as a second or third layer of federal tax on these successful businesses over the owners’ lifetime.

Spain’s Race to the Bottom in the International Tax Competitiveness Index

Since 2020, Spain has dropped from 26th to 34th on the International Tax Competitiveness due to multiple tax hikes, new taxes, and weak performances in all five index components.

Carbon Taxes, Trade, and American Competitiveness

A border-adjusted carbon tax that uses some of the revenue for pro-investment tax reform could improve U.S. more competitiveness while also addressing concerns with a carbon tax.

A Flat Tax in Wisconsin Can Deliver Tax Relief for Everyone

With increases to the standard deduction, a flat tax could provide a net tax cut to taxpayers of all income levels, providing both short-term and long-term relief to taxpayers across the income spectrum. It would also simplify the tax code in ways that encourage greater investment and economic growth, particularly by ensuring that the marginal rate on small business investment is competitive with peer states.

Cannabis Taxes Back on the Ballot in 2022

While changes to federal cannabis law are slow, changes at the state level are accelerating. Recreational cannabis is on the ballot in five states this November—Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota—giving voters the ability to join 19 states that have already legalized recreational marijuana.

Colombia Is in Urgent Need of Pro-Growth Comprehensive Tax Reform

Colombia should consider shifting its planned tax reforms from harmful corporate and individual taxes to less harmful consumption taxes.

A Carbon Tax, Explained

Every policy has trade-offs, but a well-designed carbon tax has the potential to protect the environment without harming consumers, jobs, or businesses.

2023 State Business Tax Climate Index

While there are many ways to show how much is collected in taxes by state governments, our Index is designed to show how well states structure their tax systems by focusing on the how more than the how much in recognition of the fact that there are better and worse ways to raise revenue.

Ways and Means Committee

State Tax Ballot Measures to Watch on Election Day 2022

From income tax changes to cannabis legalization and taxation, here’s what voters decided on Election Day.

Should We Tax University Endowments?

Taxing university endowments has gained popularity recently, partly in response to the Biden administration’s forgiveness of student loan debt. Some view it as a means of holding universities accountable for the product they’re selling. Others view it as a tool to tamp down tuition rates or punish ideological opponents. But do these arguments hold water and is an endowment tax sound policy?

Coloradans Could Lower Their Income Taxes This Fall

When Coloradans go to the polls this November, they will be given the opportunity to permanently lower their income taxes—or to increase those tax burdens.

2023 Tax Brackets

The IRS recently released the new inflation adjusted 2023 tax brackets and rates. Explore updated credits, deductions, and exemptions, including the standard deduction & personal exemption, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), capital gains brackets, qualified business income deduction (199A), and the annual exclusion for gifts.