Research report A Methodology for Integrated Distributional Analysis of Taxes and Transfers
Gordon B. Mermin, Frank Sammartino, Matthew Buettgens, Melissa M. Favreault, Elaine Maag
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Distributional analyses play a prominent role in policy discussions. Both tax and transfer policy have important distributional consequences, but traditionally they have been examined separately. This report describes a new methodology for integrated distributional analysis that imports results from other Urban Institute microsimulation models into the tax model. The method allows for analyzing the distribution of taxes and transfers by income groups and family structure under current law and policy alternatives. We use the new methodology to analyze the impact of current law taxes and transfers on the income distribution. We discuss possible refinements to the methodology and future applications.
Primary topic Federal Budget and Economy
Research Area Consumption taxes (business) Corporate income tax Federal revenue Federal spending Consumption taxes (individual) Estate, gift, and inheritance taxes High-income households Low-income households Medicare Payroll taxes Retirement Social Security