Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)

Joe Hughes

Senior Analyst

Joe Hughes

Joe supports ITEP in monitoring federal tax policies. His research focuses on progressive tax priorities to ensure corporations and the ultra wealthy pay their fair share. Prior to joining ITEP in 2021, Joe worked at the Congressional Research Service and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. He completed a master’s in applied economics at George Washington University and undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee.

 joe at itep.org

Recent Publications

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The Child Tax Credit Leaves Out Millions of Children in 2026. There Are Better Alternatives.

March 10, 2026 • By Joe Hughes

The 2025 Trump tax law slightly increased the Child Tax Credit in a way that benefits virtually none of the children who most need help.

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Intuit Helped Limit Americans' Tax Filing Options While Raking in Millions in Tax Breaks

January 28, 2026 • By Joe Hughes

As tax filing season begins, families have fewer options than last year, thanks to the heavy lobbying efforts of big tax-preparation corporations like Intuit (the parent company of TurboTax).

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Recent Media Mentions

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Houston Chronicle: Texas Oil Companies Forecast Billions in Tax Breaks from Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'

September 9, 2025 • By Joe Hughes

The Houston oil-company Occidental Petroleum reported last month it was expecting a large tax break from President Donald Trump's tax and spending cut package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill — to the tune of $700 to $800 million over the next two years.

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Yahoo Finance: Child Tax Credit Gets Small Boost in Trump's Tax Bill, but Millions of Families Are Left Out

July 7, 2025 • By Joe Hughes

The popular child tax credit will receive a slight boost from President Trump’s signature tax and spending bill – but there are caveats.

More Media Mentions of Joe Hughes