Topic: Joel Slemrod

Tax VOX Why the 'fiscal cliff' deal is an incentive to give to charity

The "fiscal cliff" deal's phaseout of itemized deductions is really a sneaky way to raise marginal income tax rates and creates an economic incentive to give to charities, Burman writes.

Tax VOX Tax reform, up close and personal

The District of Columbia Tax Reform Commission sat down recently to tackle one of the biggest issues of our time. Such reform is hard, in large part because the characteristics of a good tax system are inconsistent. 

Estate taxes: States will want their cut, too

Nineteen states already have estate taxes. Expect them to raise rates and other states to impose estate taxes.

Not much stimulus from tax-cut deal

How much did the $862 billion stimulus package really help? Will the new tax cuts make any difference?

The biggest tax policy mistake of the year

While politicians debate 2011 tax policy, Congress's inconvenient truth is that they still haven't passed the tax code for 2010.

Does a bank tax make sense?

A "bank tax" should be designed as broadly as possible, and not on specific transactions or on specific institutions - like banks.

Economic Scene: Obama tax hikes would not hit US multinationals hard

Obama's plan to 'tax the rich': About time, or a big mistake?

In practice, the populist solution is not as simple or as effective as it sounds.

Obama eyes the familiar: tax cuts

He’s likely to propose a credit of $500 per person to help stimulate the economy.

Congress weighs another stimulus

But this plan is likely to be aimed at people and areas hit hard by the slump.

Economic stimulus, Round 2?

Rumblings about a possible second boost prompt economists to look at alternatives to the 'tax rebate.'

Tax havens in U.S. cross hairs

With $345 billion in lost revenue, tolerance for off-shore avoidance fades.

Footsteps of a recession grow louder

Economists can't officially call it a 'recession' until six months after it began, but this one's arrival seems noisier.

Would tax rebates work?

The government aims for more spending, but in the past many saved their checks.