Clear nonpartisan analysis of fiscal and tax policy enables policymakers and the public to weigh competing theories on how to end the countrys economic crisis. Urban Institute researchers evaluated key components of the stimulus package and analyzed the tax proposals in the presidents budget. Warning decisionmakers about the unsustainable fiscal course ahead, our experts propose ways to control deficits and reform the entitlement programs that drive up spending.

The country is entering a critical period for tax policy. The Bush tax cuts are set to expire in 2010, the alternative minimum tax snags more of the middle class each year, and Social Security and Medicare costs will swell to new highs as baby boomers start retiring. The federal tax system will likely be revised to tackle these challenges, but more fundamental reform is needed to make taxes fairer, simpler, and more efficient.

The Urban–Brookings Tax Policy Center provides analysis and facts about federal, state, and local tax policy. Our powerful microsimulation tax model allows researchers to test tax proposals, showing who would pay more, who would pay less, and how new policies would affect tax revenues. Our experts study tax reform, corporate taxation, income and wealth distribution, federal and state fiscal policies, taxes in relation to social programs, and more.