In more than a century of state income taxes, only four states have ever transitioned from a graduated-rate income tax to a flat tax. Another four may adopt legislation doing so this year, and a planned transition in a fifth state can now go forward under a recent court decision. In what is already a […]
In times of inflation, like we are experiencing now, a review of the tax code shows that some provisions are automatically indexed, or adjusted, to match inflation, while others are not. And that creates unfair burdens for taxpayers. But it’s not always as simple as just “adjusting for inflation.” That works for some structural components […]
States are flush with cash, but taxpayers’ purchasing power is being eroded by high inflation. It’s unsurprising that many policymakers have jumped at the chance to apply surpluses to meet the genuine needs of many residents—but good intentions do not always make for good policy. Tax rebates, gas tax holidays, and other temporary tax expedients […]
Households across the country are struggling with the effects of high inflation. We usually think of inflation in terms of higher prices which erode purchasing power, but the interaction of inflation with tax codes hit many taxpayers with a one-two punch. Not only do taxpayers’ incomes not go as far, but a greater share of […]
This year’s state legislative sessions have been characterized by a focus on tax policy, with five states already enacting significant individual or corporate income tax reform. Lawmakers in Georgia aren’t interested in being left behind. While HB 1437 was previously a placeholder bill, the sponsors have now shared their plan to consolidate Georgia’s six individual […]
Rising inflation has become a dominant issue for policymakers in the past year, with the most recent report finding inflation has risen 7.5 percent over the past 12 months. Some lawmakers have proposed suspending the gas tax to reduce inflation. Rising gas prices are certainly one piece of the inflation puzzle—but suspending the gas tax […]
Key Findings The waning pandemic and robust economic recovery have come with many benefits—plentiful jobs and fast-growing (nominal) incomes—but also serious challenges such as high and rising inflation. Rather than pushing for more fiscal stimulus or leaving it to the Federal Reserve to handle inflation through higher interest rates, policymakers should focus on boosting the […]
Table of Contents Key Findings Individual income taxes are a major source of state government revenue, accounting for 36 percent of state tax collections in fiscal year 2020, the latest year for which data are available. Forty-three states levy individual income taxes. Forty-one tax wage and salary income, while New Hampshire exclusively taxes dividend and […]
Mississippi, like most states, realized a significant budget surplus in 2021 and projects continued revenue growth over the coming years. As lawmakers in Jackson determine how to best invest these funds, they must also reconcile the state’s position in an increasingly competitive tax environment. Over the last two years, Mississippians watched as the region was […]
Consumer prices rose by 7 percent in 2021, the highest annual rate of inflation since 1982. Where did this inflation come from and what might its impacts be? Tax and fiscal policy offer important clues. Initially thought to be “transitory” and largely the result of pandemic-related supply-chain issues, many economists at the Federal Reserve and […]