• map  September 5, 2024

    Which States Have Joined IRS Direct File?

    The IRS has opened its free tax filing service called Direct File to every state for the 2025 tax filing season. Direct File was made…
  • blog  August 16, 2024

    Here’s a Tip: Keep the Taxation of Tips As-Is

    The no tax on tips idea isn’t a new one, but it’s always been abandoned because it’s practically impossible to do without creating new avenues for tax avoidance. Despite its embrace by the candidates from both major parties, this policy idea would do little to help the roughly 4 million people who work in tipped occupations while creating a host of problems.

  • blog  August 14, 2024

    Local Tax Trends in 2024

    Many cities, counties, and townships across the country are in a difficult, or at least unstable, budgetary position. Localities are responding to these financial pressures in a variety of ways with some charging ahead with enacting innovative reforms like short-term rental and vacancy taxes, and others setting up local tax commissions to study the problem.

  • blog  August 8, 2024

    State Rundown 8/8: States Laying the Groundwork for Future Tax Battles

    Whether they’re in a special session, gearing up for one, or prepping for 2025, states around the country are focusing on important tax fights…

  • blog  August 6, 2024

    Minnesota Stands Out for Its Moderately Progressive Tax Code

    Minnesota stands apart from the rest of the country with a moderately progressive tax system that asks slightly more of the rich than of low- and middle-income families. Recent reforms signed by Gov. Tim Walz have contributed to this reality.

  • report  August 6, 2024

    Sales Tax Holidays Miss the Mark When it Comes to Effective Sales Tax Reform

    Nineteen states have sales tax holidays on the books in 2024. These suspensions combined will cost states and localities over $1.3 billion in lost revenue this year. Sales tax holidays are poorly targeted and too temporary to meaningfully change the regressive nature of a state’s tax system.

  • map  August 1, 2024

    State and Local Tax Contributions by Undocumented Immigrants

    Undocumented immigrants pay taxes that help fund public infrastructure, institutions, and services in every U.S. state. Nearly 39 percent of the total tax dollars paid by undocumented immigrants in 2022 ($37.3 billion) went to state and local governments.

  • report  July 30, 2024

    Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants

    Undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022. Providing access to work authorization for undocumented immigrants would increase their tax contributions both because their wages would rise and because their rates of tax compliance would increase.

  • blog  July 25, 2024

    Which States Improved Child Tax Credits and EITCs in 2024?

    Four states expanded or boosted refundable tax credits for children and families, and the District of Columbia is poised to create a new Child Tax Credit. These actions — in Colorado, Illinois, New York, Utah, and D.C. — continue the recent trend of improving the well-being of children and families with refundable tax credits.

  • blog  July 25, 2024

    State Rundown 7/25: Summertime Hits Different in Different States

    State lawmakers will have a lot to discuss when they compare notes on how they spent their summer vacations this year…