Fiscal Policy

Taxes

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Taxes provide the revenue that finances government programs at all levels, with income and payroll taxes the largest federal revenue sources. Under the graduated tax system in the United States, those with larger incomes generally are taxed at higher rates than those with lower, but special tax breaks and loopholes can create complexity and inequity.

REUTERS/Steve Nesius - Andrea Davis and Dewey Schilling stand outside their home at Limetree Park where they live year-round in Bonita Springs, Florida, March 23, 2012. Davis, 63, a former secretary, said she hadn't worked long enough at one place to build up a 401K. "If it weren't for Social Security, I would probably be on the street," she added.

Report

Flattening Tax Incentives for Retirement Saving

July 1, 2014, Barbara A. Butrica, Benjamin H. Harris, Pamela Perun and C. Eugene Steurele

The United States’ pension system has failed millions of workers who enter into retirement with very limited assets relative to what they need to live securely the rest of their lives. In a report for the Tax Policy Center, Barbara A. Butricia, Benjamin H. Harris, Pamela Perun, and C. Eugene Steuerle focus on the effects of the tax preferences for employer-sponsored defined contribution plans.

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Taxes

The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center

The Center is made up of nationally recognized experts in tax, budget and social policy who have served at the highest levels of government. TPC provides timely, accessible analysis and facts about tax policy to policymakers, journalists, citizens and researchers. 
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