Tax Basics
These ITEP publications provide a broad overview of state tax systems as well as narrower information about specific state tax policies.
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report August 7, 2009 Recent Assertions about State Tax Increases Don’t Hold Much Water [Revised Aug 7, 2009]
A more careful examination of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data for the period from 1997 to 2006 reveals a far different picture, however. They show that the number of “rich”… -
brief July 1, 2004 A Primer on State Rainy Day Funds
In recent years, most state governments have experienced painful budget deficits. Many states have reacted to these shortfalls by cutting spending or increasing taxes. Almost all states now have a third option that can help postpone these painful decisions: using a rainy day fund (RDF). Like a savings account, an RDF sets aside surplus revenue during periods of economic growth for use in times of budget shortfalls. This policy brief takes a closer look at how rainy day funds can help states through difficult fiscal times, and assesses options for improving the adequacy of these funds.
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report January 15, 2003 Who Pays? A Distributional Analysis of the Tax Systems of All 50 States [2003 Edition]
State governments are facing a profound fiscal crisis. In the past year, states have grappled with mounting budgetary shortfalls, as tax revenues have slumped while spending pressures have continued to… -
report June 15, 1996 Who Pays? A Distributional Analysis of the Tax Systems of All 50 States [1996 Edition]
This study looks at taxes paid by income group, as shares of income, for every state and the District of Columbia. Our primary finding is that by an overwhelming margin,…