How should changes in tax progressivity be measured? Q.How should changes in tax progressivity be measured? A.A broad definition of tax progressivity, that tax burdens rise with household income, masks a host of ambiguities in measuring the effect of a tax change. In our distribution tables, TPC emphasizes the percentage change in after-tax income because it is the most reliable measure of the progressivity of such a change. Read more about How should changes in tax progressivity be measured?
Who bears the burden of federal excise taxes? Q.Who bears the burden of federal excise taxes? A.Workers, owners of capital, and households that consume a disproportionate amount of taxed items all bear the burden of federal excise taxes. Read more about Who bears the burden of federal excise taxes?
What is the difference between marginal and average tax rates? Q.What is the difference between marginal and average tax rates? A.Average tax rates measure tax burden, while marginal tax rates measure the impact of taxes on incentives to earn, save, invest, or spend an additional dollar. Read more about What is the difference between marginal and average tax rates?