In this paper we investigate the extent to which the U.S. income tax system of 2004 collects tax on capital income, and the implications of extending tax-preferred savings accounts. We do so by applying a methodology that estimates how much tax is collected on capital income by calculating how...

Land use has become a critical issue for Minnesota communities, and for many of those on the suburban fringe, the central land-use policy question is whether or not to approve new residential development. New residences may bring increased property tax revenues, but the new residents will demand...

A mild recession took a far harder toll on state budgets than had been expected. States have even cut back, by some measures, on spending for primary and secondary education. The authors think budgetary restrictions are likely to continue as sources of tax revenues become more constrained.

Under U.S. federal and state tax laws, qualifying non–profit organizations receive several kinds of tax benefits. However, the benefits come with compliance costs, as eligible organizations must first apply for them and then file the annual reports necessary to maintain them. We use a national...

The current U.S. income tax system subsidizes contributions to charities by allowing individual taxpayers to itemize and deduct contributions from taxable income. In effect, taxpayers can receive a rebate from the government based on the contributions they make to charitable organizations. Under...