In 2016, the largest share of individual tax returns were filed by single filers (48%), followed by those married filing jointly and surviving spouses (36%). About 14% of returns were filed by heads of households and only 2% from those married but filing separately.
January 28, 2019
State and Local Issues: TaxVox

Your Guide to States and Localities: The Governments That Are Still Open

Whenever the federal government goes completely nuts , it can be comforting to remember the United States is a highly decentralized country . Fifty states...
January 25, 2019Tracy Gordon
: Daily Deduction

An Open Door, A Reminder, and Tax Hikes

Is the shutdown door beginning to open?
January 25, 2019Renu Zaretsky
: TaxVox

Treasury Left The Door Open To The 20-Percent Tax Deduction For Pass-Through Businesses

Last Friday, Treasury finalized its regulations for the special 20-percent tax deduction for income from pass-through businesses, which was added by the 2017 Tax Cuts...
January 24, 2019Steven M. Rosenthal
: Daily Deduction

“Things can only get better.”

“We’re not scared to lose it all…”
January 24, 2019Renu Zaretsky
Business Taxes: TaxVox

How Should The US Spend Carbon Tax Revenue?

The debate over a carbon tax is about two big things: The most obvious is whether a tax at politically acceptable levels could significantly slow...
January 24, 2019Howard Gleckman
: Daily Deduction

The stalemate continues.

No “cave,” no movement on the partial government shutdown.
January 23, 2019Renu Zaretsky
: Daily Deduction

Running to Stand Still

Shutdown Saga: No end in sight but a slight glimmer of hope.
January 22, 2019
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides financial assistance to low-income working families. It was introduced in 1975 and expanded in legislation in 1986, 1990, 1993, and 2009. The number of recipients has increased from 6.2 million in 1975 to 27.4 million in 2016.
January 21, 2019
: TaxVox

How The Partial Government Shutdown Will Affect You This Tax Filing Season

Tax filing season is due to begin in 10 days. Will the IRS will be able to process returns as usual?
January 18, 2019Howard GleckmanRobert A. Weinberger
: Daily Deduction

How is the partial government shutdown affecting the economy and the IRS?

More gridlock.
January 18, 2019Renu Zaretsky
: Daily Deduction

Relief for underwithholding, no relief for tax extenders.


IRS will waive underemployment penalties—for some.
January 17, 2019Renu Zaretsky
: Daily Deduction

How many ways can one say the government remains partially closed?

United Democrats stand, no division, no wall.
January 16, 2019Renu Zaretsky
Individual Taxes: TaxVox

The New 1040 Will Fit On A (Big) Postcard, But It Won’t Make Tax Filing Any Simpler

When tax filing season begins in a few weeks, you’ll likely hear senior Trump Administration officials and some congressional Republicans boasting yet again about how...
January 15, 2019Howard Gleckman
: Daily Deduction

Stuck in the Middle with Who?

The art of the deal includes many refusals.
January 15, 2019Renu Zaretsky
: Daily Deduction

“Why deny the obvious, child?”


“Well I'm accustomed to a smooth ride.”
January 14, 2019Renu Zaretsky
Individual Taxes: TaxVox

If Tax Refunds And Benefits Are Delayed By Shutdown, That Would Hurt Vulnerable Americans

For many US households, the ongoing partial government shutdown is inconvenient. But for low-income households, it may become a severe hardship. If the shutdown goes...
January 14, 2019Elaine Maag
The American Opportunity Tax Credit can offset qualified higher education expenses for eligible students. The credit phases out for high-income households, and on average, about 5.8% of all taxpayers claim the credit.
January 14, 2019
Individual Taxes: TaxVox

Congress Should Make The EITC Available To Older Workers

The earned income tax credit (EITC) lifts millions of workers out of poverty each year. But older workers who do not live with minor children...
January 13, 2019Elaine Maag
Federal Budget and Economy: TaxVox

How Not To Shut Down Federal Government Shutdowns

The other day, my Tax Policy Center colleague Bill Gale proposed a way to avoid the kind of government shutdown the nation has confronted for...
January 11, 2019Howard Gleckman
: Daily Deduction

How much longer will the government shut down last?

Have shutdown negotiations hit a wall?
January 11, 2019Renu Zaretsky
State and Local Issues: TaxVox

TPC’s Sports Gambling Tip Sheet

I don’t have an official over-under for the number of states that will legalize sports gambling in 2019, but I know it’s high. Since the...
January 10, 2019Richard C. Auxier
: Daily Deduction

Walking Out, Returns, and “More Power, Please”

Doesn’t look like the shutdown will end anytime soon.
January 10, 2019Renu Zaretsky
: Daily Deduction

Walking Out, Returns, and “More Power, Please”

Doesn’t look like the shutdown will end anytime soon.
January 10, 2019Renu Zaretsky
Business Taxes: Brief

How Chicago and Cook County Can Leverage Opportunity Zones for Community Benefit

Local officials, impact investors, and philanthropy have important roles to play in helping communities access Opportunity Zone financing that benefits current residents, especially those with low or moderate incomes. Using Chicago and Cook County as a case study, we identify steps these actors can
January 10, 2019Brett TheodosBrady Meixell