Topic: Making Work Pay

Tax VOX Payroll tax cut expiration lurks in 'fiscal cliff's' shadow

The expiration of the payroll tax cut would increase taxes by $115 billion in 2013, Maag writes, yet President Obama and others have been strangely silent – arguing instead about the fate of the 2001-2003 tax cuts.

Tax VOX Keeping perspective: Taxes do not always drive the economy

The presidential campaign would like Americans to think the very fate of the country rests on what happens to the Bush tax cuts. But the Congressional Budget Office reminds us there is actually a lot more going on in the economy besides taxes.

Why Congress should bring back the Making Work Pay tax credit

The Making Work Pay tax credit was far more effective than the 2011 payroll tax cut which replaced it, and the economy could use the boost a bulked up MWP would provide

Should Congress extend the payroll tax holiday?

An extended payroll tax holiday would put more money in the pockets of consumers, but it would mean cuts to important programs like Social Security

What tax credits can do for low-income families

Although tax credits encourage work and subsidize low wages for families with children, they do little for low-income childless families.

Why tax revenues might not reflect economic growth

Especially in a system with progressive taxation, the relationship between tax revenues and GDP growth can be skewed

Tax day 2011: Last-minute tips to keep the Internal Revenue Service away

The Internal Revenue Service has taken on a gentler demeanor in recent years, but let's face it: The IRS still wants you to pay what you owe, and to pay it on time. This year, on time means April 18, due to a calendar quirk involving the District of Columbia's celebration of Emancipation Day. State deadlines may vary. Here are nine tips that tax experts (and the friendly Internal Revenue Service itself) offer to help keep you from getting audited, owing a penalty, paying more than you really owe, or having to file an amended return because of a mistake:

Tax Day 2011: Schedule M could be worth up to $800

On Tax Day 2011, the 'Making Work Pay' tax break, which can be worth up to $800 per household, is one of several tax credits for which filers may be eligible.

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?

Top 10 worst moments in fiscal policy 2010

Home-buyer tax credit extension? Obama-GOP tax deal? Here's my Top 10.

Johnny Depp and the new tax law

Johnny Depp's new film 'The Tourist' provides some perspective on the new tax law.

Medicare and Social Security advocates nervous about tax cut deal

Medicare and Social Security advocates worry that entitlements face restructuring under the new deal brokered between President Obama and the GOP.

Unemployment benefits and tax cuts: winners and losers of the Obama-GOP tax deal

Unemployment benefits and tax cuts will help middle class Americans, argued President Obama. True, but the plan helps everyone else, too – except the ballooning deficit.

Estate tax deal: worst part of a bad tax compromise

Estate tax provision would exempt first $5 million and charge only 35 percent on the rest of wealthy estates.

Deal in the works on Bush-era tax breaks and help for the jobless

Following Senate votes Saturday, party leaders say a compromise is likely involving an extension of Bush-era tax breaks for all income levels, plus an extension of unemployment benefits.

Debt reduction plan helps childless workers

Debt reduction plan would allow federal aid to flow to low-income families without children.

What will the lame duck Congress do with the Bush tax cuts?

Congress desperately needs to pass continuing budget measures and 2010 (yes, 2010) tax policy, but will they?

Surprise! You got a tax cut! (You just didn't notice.)

Many Americans got a tax cut last year, but most didn't notice the decreased payroll deductions. It might be good economics, but it's bad politics.

The wrong tax debate, the wrong tax policy

Obama needs to return to his original tax priorities, and stop treading in the morass of the Bush tax cuts.

US adds 3.8 million more to ranks of the poor as poverty rate jumps

US poverty rate hit 14.3 percent last year, up from 13.2 percent in 2008. The jump bring the number of the poor to its highest level since 1959, five years before the Johnson-era War on Poverty.

Wondering how proposed tax changes will affect YOU?

The Tax Policy Center has created a 'Tax Calculator' that will determine your taxes on the basis of your income, family size, number of children, etc. Plug in your details and find out how proposed tax changes will affect your 1040.

Proposal: Keep the value of the Bush tax cuts, but change who gets them

Instead of extending the $75 billion tax cut for the wealthy, who will hide it under a mattress, shift the tax cut to benefit low- and middle-income wage earners, who will spend it.

Wait! What about the Obama tax cut?

Obama's tax cut, Making Work Pay, is set to expire at the end of this year. Should it be extended along with the Bush tax cuts?

Dear Mr. President: Why continue a failed tax policy?

Taxes: How not to spend a sunny weekend