Gao-05-1009sp Understanding the Tax Reform Debate


Book Description

GAO-05-1009SP Understanding the Tax Reform Debate: Background, Criteria, and Questions




Understanding the Tax Reform Debate


Book Description

Concerns about the economic effectiveness, fairness, & growing complexity of the current fed. tax system raises doubts about its credibility. These concerns have led to a growing debate about the fundamental design of the fed. tax system. The background, criteria, & questions presented in this report are designed to aid policymakers & the public in thinking about how to develop tax policy for the 21st century. This report brings together a number of topics that tax experts have identified as those that should be considered when evaluating tax policy. This report attempts to provide information about these topics in a clear, concise, & easily understandable manner for a nontechnical audience. Bibliography. Glossary. Charts & tables.













Government Performance and Accountability


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Our Business Tax System


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Government Performance and Accountability


Book Description

Numerous fed. programs, policies, & activities are supported through the tax code. As described in statute, tax expenditures are reductions in tax liabilities that result from preferential provisions, such as tax exclusions, credits, & deductions. They result in revenue forgone. This report is part of an effort to assist Congress in reexamining & transforming the gov't. to meet the many challenges & opportunities that we face in the 21st century. This report describes: (1) how tax expenditures have changed over the past 3 decades in number, size, & in comparison to fed. revenue, spending, & the economy, & (2) the amount of progress made since 1994 recommend. to improve scrutiny of tax expend. Includes recommend. Charts & tables.




Tax Reform


Book Description

An authoritative but accessible reference, this book enables anyone to truly understand both the background and operation of the U.S. tax system and current tax reform proposals. Dissatisfaction with high taxes is literally an American tradition; indeed, the American Revolution that led to the founding of the United States started as a tax revolt. Today, widespread displeasure with our tax system continues, as demonstrated by the strong anti-tax position of the recent Tea Party movement. Tax Reform: A Reference Handbook, Second Edition introduces lay readers to taxes in general, the U.S. tax system in particular, and the issues involved in reforming the system. Details regarding past tax reform measures are provided to lend relevance and perspective to recent tax reform proposals, such as replacing the income tax (and the IRS) with a federal sales tax. The author stresses political rather than technical issues, and presents all viewpoints on this hotly debated topic fairly.