Debate over tax policy is always intense, as it should be since much of the government's agenda is defined within the tax system. When it comes to tax cuts, this debate usually centers on size of government and progressivity of the tax system.
As tax bills go through Congress, Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle describes how tax provisions can be targeted effectively and how legitimate tax policy principles be maintained, in spite of wide disagreement over the exact shape of an ideal tax system.
Each year, millions of American taxpayers claim tax deductions for contributions to their favorite charities. The charitable tax deduction subsidizes private giving by reducing the out-of-pocket cost of making contributions. In April 1999, the Urban Institutes Center on Nonprofits and...
Nonprofit organizations engage in a range of income-producing activities: Universities charge tuition, hospitals collect fees, and social-service organizations enter into government contracts. To the extent that an activity is "substantially related" to the organization's tax-exempt purpose, the...
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle explains why it makes sense to extend the charitable deduction to the time of filing a tax return, in much the same way as applies to deposits to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and to certain pensions of self-employed persons (Keogh plans).
Recent large federal budget surpluses have spurred debate on how best to use the money. Some see surpluses as an opportunity to pay down the federal debt, to expand programs to meet such social needs as health care and education, or to secure the future of Social Security. Others propose...
Peggy's Rules: Peggy McConkey And the Meaning of Public Service
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle describes standards of public service excellence set by a Treasury employee, Peggy McConkey.
President Bush's Proposal to Encourage Charitable Giving
Debate over tax policy is always intense, as it should be since much of the government's agenda is defined within the tax system. When it comes to tax cuts, this debate usually centers on size of government and progressivity of the tax system.
Amending a Chairman's Mark While Recognizing Tax Policy Principles
As tax bills go through Congress, Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle describes how tax provisions can be targeted effectively and how legitimate tax policy principles be maintained, in spite of wide disagreement over the exact shape of an ideal tax system.
The Cost of Giving: How Do Changes in Tax Deductions Affect Charitable Contributions?
Each year, millions of American taxpayers claim tax deductions for contributions to their favorite charities. The charitable tax deduction subsidizes private giving by reducing the out-of-pocket cost of making contributions. In April 1999, the Urban Institutes Center on Nonprofits and...
The Unrelated Business Income Tax: All Bark and No Bite?
Nonprofit organizations engage in a range of income-producing activities: Universities charge tuition, hospitals collect fees, and social-service organizations enter into government contracts. To the extent that an activity is "substantially related" to the organization's tax-exempt purpose, the...
Strong Treasury Team Goes to Bat With One Strike Already Called
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle advocates for a stronger Treasury role as the new team takes on the departments mission.
An Option to Increase Charitable Giving and Reduce Current Taxes
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle explains why it makes sense to extend the charitable deduction to the time of filing a tax return, in much the same way as applies to deposits to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and to certain pensions of self-employed persons (Keogh plans).
"Greenspanspeak" on Taxes
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle offers his interpretation of Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspans comments supporting a tax cut.
Steps Toward a Successful Presidency
Senior Fellow Eugene Steuerle offers a new president advice on governing.
Federal Income Tax Cuts and Low-Income Families
Recent large federal budget surpluses have spurred debate on how best to use the money. Some see surpluses as an opportunity to pay down the federal debt, to expand programs to meet such social needs as health care and education, or to secure the future of Social Security. Others propose...