All reports by date
Tax inequity: Iowa’s continuing story
10/17/18Iowa stacks taxes against middle, low-income Iowans
Study: New state tax law reinforces long-term trend of regressive taxes
Iowa summary sheet (PDF)
IOWA CITY, Iowa (Oct. 17, 2018) — Iowa taxes its middle- and low-income families more as a share Read more
Remember value of refundable EITC
4/27/18The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) promotes and rewards work in the state of Iowa.
Yet another loophole for Iowa?
4/24/18Questions for Iowa before adopting the pass-through loophole need answers: Costs of $100 million-plus, benefits to wealthy — some vs. others at the same income.
RAC: Biggest players win big
4/4/18Do these highly profitable companies need state subsidies? Would Iowa legislators choose these subsidies over funding for education, human services and public safety?
Plugging loopholes could boost revenue
3/27/18Unlike a tax increase, combined reporting is an accountability tool assuring a state can enforce its existing tax code against tax-avoidance gimmicks.
Enhancing tax fairness for families
3/27/18While the federal tax code works to support working families with children in making ends meet, current Iowa tax law often does just the opposite.
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.
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.