Previous theoretical analyses of the capital gains tax have suggested that investors have considerable opportunity to avoid the tax. Yet, past empirical work found little evidence of such activity. Though confirming past findings that avoidance of tax on realized capital gains is not prevalent,...
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle examines whether short-run surpluses ought to be spent before they are achieved, and whether longer-run surpluses ought to be spent if the economy continues to grow at a faster-than-expected rate - his answer to both issues is "no."
The Congressional leadership that crafted the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 wants the tax system to be so simple that taxpayers can fill out a tax form on a postcard. Judging by some of the choices they made in the new law (with lots of help from the President), they had in mind a postcard the...
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle explains how the budget deal that will likely be reached will remain short of its goals, due to numerous technical difficulties in reaching numerical targets in the deal.
Capital Gains Taxation and Tax Avoidance
Previous theoretical analyses of the capital gains tax have suggested that investors have considerable opportunity to avoid the tax. Yet, past empirical work found little evidence of such activity. Though confirming past findings that avoidance of tax on realized capital gains is not prevalent,...
Should We Spend Budget Surpluses Even Before They Occur?
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle examines whether short-run surpluses ought to be spent before they are achieved, and whether longer-run surpluses ought to be spent if the economy continues to grow at a faster-than-expected rate - his answer to both issues is "no."
Straying from Tax Policy Principles
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle discusses the challenges and necessity of following a set of principles in developing optimal tax policy.
Big, Big Postcard
The Congressional leadership that crafted the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 wants the tax system to be so simple that taxpayers can fill out a tax form on a postcard. Judging by some of the choices they made in the new law (with lots of help from the President), they had in mind a postcard the...
What Are Those Tax Forms Going to Look Like?
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle paints a picture of future complexity offered by new tax breaks.
Taxing the Elderly on Their Medicare Benefits
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle examines prospects for Medicare reform.
Cheating the Earned Income Tax Credit
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle suggests that problems facing the Earned Income Tax Credit should not attempted to be solved in isolation.
Child Credits: Opportunity at the Door
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle suggests modifications to the child credit that could improve tax, health, and welfare policy.
Pulling Off the Budget Deal: A Long Way To Go
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle explains how the budget deal that will likely be reached will remain short of its goals, due to numerous technical difficulties in reaching numerical targets in the deal.
Revenue Options for Reducing the Deficit
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle reveals the details - and difficulties - in the CBO's plan to reduce the deficit.