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Tax Reform

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Taxes directly affect Americans by compelling them to surrender part of their income to the government, and indirectly since the taxing power can positively or negatively affect economic growth.

In the U.S., our tax regimes are in serious need for reform, both at the state and federal level. Our tax code fails to sufficiently incentivize investment, the primary driver of economic growth. And it hobbles U.S. companies as they compete internationally.

IPI believes that the purpose of taxes is to raise the revenue necessary to fund the legitimate functions of government while imposing the least possible impact upon the functioning of the economy. We therefore believe that taxes should be simple, transparent, neutral, territorial and competitive.

Because of its tremendous potential to stimulate real long-term economic growth, tax reform should be a top priority of policymakers.

January 14, 2005

A Framework For Tax Reform

Our current federal tax system fails to raise the necessary revenue to fund government in an efficient manner, and in a way that accurately prices the cost of government so that voters can make intelligent decisions. The President’s tax reform commission should establish neutrality, visibility, fairness and simplicity as criteria for a reformed tax code that will improve the economy and promote better government.

February 12, 2002

Education Tax Credits: Great Idea, But Do It Right

Education tax credits can open doors for parents and children who aren’t satisfied with their government school. But they work best when they’re flexible and free from excessive government regulation. President Bush can promote education freedom through tax policy, using federal tax breaks that reinforce state innovations like scholarship tax credits and tuition write-offs.

January 11, 2002

No Risky Scheme: Retirement Savings Accounts that are Personal and Safe

One of President Bush’s most controversial campaign proposals was to let workers place a portion of their Social Security payroll tax into a personal account. Can such accounts avoid the risk associated with the stock market? Twenty years ago, three Texas counties opted out of Social Security and they have never lost a dime. These counties provide a real, working model for personal accounts that are as safe as a bank.

October 11, 2001

A Capital Gains Tax Cut: The Key to Economic Recovery

A capital gains tax cut would reliably stimulate economic growth. Historically, there is a strong relationship between capital gains tax cuts and overall economic growth. Over the past 30 years, every time the capital gains rates have been cut, capital gains revenues have risen. And now that almost half of all Americans own stock, a capital gains tax cut can no longer be said to benefit only “the rich.”

October 10, 2001

What's the Most Potent Way to Stimulate the Economy?

Which changes in tax policy will have the strongest economic benefit per revenue dollar? Reducing tax rates on capital, such as cutting the capital gains tax rate or shortening depreciation lives, would have the biggest economic payoff. Repealing the alternative minimum tax (AMT) would also be potent, though other proposals such as payroll tax cuts would have much less “bang for the buck.”

October 31, 2000

The "Greatest Prosperity Ever": Should the Clinton-Gore "New Economic Plan" Get the Credit?

It is important to grasp precisely what the proponents of the 1993 tax increase thought they were accomplishing, the logic behind their plan as well as what actually happened.

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