Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)

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States Can Push Back Against Reckless Federal Tax Policy. Here’s How.

January 22, 2026 • By Aidan Davis, Wesley Tharpe

States Can Push Back Against Reckless Federal Tax Policy. Here’s How.

They should take steps to protect and boost their own revenues. And they should take a second look at their own tax cuts.

Pennsylvania Just Gave Low-Income Workers a Tax Credit Boost. Now It’s Philadelphia’s Turn.

In the same way states are building upon federal tax credits, localities should consider building on state tax credits.

States Can Create or Expand Refundable Credits by Taxing Wealth, Addressing Federal Conformity

Many states already recognize the potential of these credits to boost low- and moderate-income households. Other states should follow suit.

No, Scott Bessent: States Aren’t Taking Away Anyone’s Tax Cuts

It’s wildly inappropriate for a U.S. Treasury Secretary to lean on states to adopt or not adopt specific federal provisions in their own state tax codes.

Linking to Tipped and Overtime Income Deductions Would Worsen State Shortfalls, Do Little to Help Workers

State deductions for tips and overtime are not only ineffective at supporting working-class people, it will come at a substantial cost to state budgets.

Conforming to the ‘No Tax on Tips’ Gimmick Just Got Riskier and Costlier for States

An unknown number of workers who previously were assumed to be ineligible for the tax break may nonetheless claim it.

Re-Examining 529 Plans: Stopping State Subsidies to Private Schools After New Trump Tax Law

The 2025 federal tax law risks making 529 plans more costly for states by increasing tax avoidance and allowing wealthy families to use these funds for private and religious K-12 schools.

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Local Vacancy Taxes: A Tool but Not a Panacea

November 17, 2025 • By Rita Jefferson

Local Vacancy Taxes: A Tool but Not a Panacea

Vacancy taxes will not single-handedly solve problems in cities, but they are worth considering to address housing shortages, land use, and building thriving communities.

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States Begin Decoupling from Flawed ‘QSBS’ Tax Break

November 6, 2025 • By Nick Johnson, Sarah Austin

States Begin Decoupling from Flawed ‘QSBS’ Tax Break

A costly tax break for wealthy venture capitalists is drawing some critical attention from state policymakers.