Recent Work by ITEP
Sales Tax Holidays: An Ineffective Alternative to Real Sales Tax Reform
August 2, 2023 • By Marco Guzman
Nineteen states have sales tax holidays on the books in 2023, and these suspensions will cost nearly $1.6 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. Overall, the benefits of sales tax holidays are minimal while their downsides are significant.
The Dog Days of summer are upon us, and with most states out of session and extreme heat waves making their way across the country, it’s a perfect time to sit back and catch up on all your favorite state tax happenings (ideally with a cool drink in hand)...
States and Localities are Making Progress on Curbing Unjust Fees and Fines
July 18, 2023 • By Andrew Boardman
Too many state and local governments tap legal-system collections, rather than adequate tax systems, to fund shared essentials like public safety and education. But a growing number of states and localities are choosing a better approach. Momentum for change has continued to build in 2023, with no fewer than seven states enacting substantial improvements.
Most state legislatures have adjourned for 2023, and that means it’s a perfect time to look at the tax policy trends that have formed thus far...
We can make modest reforms to better tax those who are taking a larger share of our wealth and income in order to reinforce a major pillar of our promise to Americans.
‘Fair Share Act’ Would Strengthen Medicare and Social Security Taxes
July 11, 2023 • By Joe Hughes, Steve Wamhoff
The Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act would reform the taxes that Americans pay to finance these two important programs so that the richest 2 percent of Americans pay these taxes on most of their income the way that middle-class taxpayers already do.
Nearly one-third of states took steps to improve their tax systems this year by investing in people through refundable tax credits, and in a few notable cases by raising revenue from those most able to pay. But another third of states lost ground, continuing a trend of permanent tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit high-income households and make tax codes less adequate and equitable.
State lawmakers continue to make groundbreaking progress on state tax credits, with 17 states creating or enhancing Child Tax Credits or Earned Income Tax Credits so far this year. These policies have the potential to boost family economic security and dramatically reduce the number of children living below the poverty line.
Minnesota’s Tax Battle of 2023 Signals a Turning of the Tide Against Corporate Tax Avoidance
July 7, 2023 • By Matthew Gardner
The qualified success of Minnesota’s GILTI conformity—to say nothing of the state’s serious dalliance with the game-changing worldwide combined reporting--sends a clear signal that the days may be coming to an end when big multinationals can scare state lawmakers into allowing them to game the tax system.
State Rundown 7/6: Tax Policy Keeping Governors Busy from Coast to Coast
July 6, 2023 • By ITEP Staff
From coast to coast, state governors have been busy inking their signature on a growing list of consequential budget and tax bills...
ITEP in the News
AP News: Ohio Budget Bill With Browns Stadium Funding, LGBTQ+ Restrictions Heads to Gov. Mike DeWine
CNBC: How the Republican Megabill Targets Immigrant Finances
The Wall Street Journal: The Tax Bill Would Deliver a Big Win for Private Schools – and Investors
USA Today: Trump Orders ICE to Expand Efforts in NYC, LA, Chicago: See How Many Immigrants Live in Major Metros
WHYY News: ‘Every dollar counts’: Critics Say Plan to Increase Fees, Taxes and Tolls Will Disproportionately Hurt Poor Delawareans
ITEP Work in Action
CBPP: Missouri Poised to Enact Appalling Giveaway to its Richest Residents
NC Budget & Tax Center: It’s Time for a Millionaire’s Tax in North Carolina
Nebraska Legislature: Poverty Elimination Action Plan
Video: ITEP's Amy Hanauer Discusses 2025 Tax Bill on Power at Work Blogcast
League of Women Voters: What's Happening with Medicaid, Tax Cuts, and Budget Bills?
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