Research Archives for 2018
Taxing seniors: Retirees benefit already
3/21/18Seniors are least likely to live in poverty and most likely to have substantial wealth, but legislators keep looking for ways to cut their taxes.
Passing through a special break
3/19/18A special federal tax break for business income claimed for personal income tax purposes is complicated, poorly understood, and costly — and now it's being considered by Iowa state lawmakers.
Leveling sales-tax playing field
3/14/18While sales tax has remained important to state and local revenues, tax policy in Iowa has not kept up with changes in the economy, particularly with online and remote sales. The Governor’s tax plan would modernize that element — but other changes could ease Iowa’s overall regressive tax structure.
Costly frills: Extending 529 deduction
3/13/18The proposed expansion of Iowa’s 529 program adds administrative complexity, reduces revenue for other needs, and disproportionately benefits high-income families.
Setting the stage for cuts
3/8/18The plan includes some desirable reforms that need not have come at the expense of essential public services that inevitably will have to be cut in the face of revenue losses. It also omits reforms that could enhance Iowa tax fairness.
IFP News: Governor’s tax cut plan sets stage for service cuts
3/7/18Governor Kim Reynolds’ tax proposal trades massive cuts in public services for small savings for lower-income taxpayers, larger savings for high-income taxpayers and few meaningful strides toward fairness in a system that already treats the poor poorly and raises too little revenue to avoid mid-year cuts.
Tax Policy Kit — Myth-Buster
3/5/18Iowa is already competitive on its tax policies.
Senate: Rising inequity, less revenue
2/28/18Overall the Senate plan would erode revenues, create structural budget deficits for years to come, and force cuts certain to imperil Iowa’s basic infrastructure and traditionally accepted responsibilities for its residents.
Cliff ahead: Learn from Kansas
2/22/18Give tax plans full review
2/21/18Neither fairness nor adequate funding of state services appear to be the focus of either bill, but let's give serious analysis a chance.