Taxation

Americans spend six billion hours and $10 billion every year preparing and filing their taxes.

Many countries have a simple, fair tax system. Could the US be next?

Books

The US tax code is notoriously dysfunctional. Meanwhile, countries from New Zealand to Estonia have devised equitable, effective tax structures.

Tax reform a popular topic among presidential candidates

Global Politics
Tampon tax protest 2

Periods aren’t gross. Taxes on periods are.

Health
Grafton Street is a principal shopping street in Dublin's city center.

Ireland looks to close a major tax loophole, but some Irish want to keep the money flowing

Finance

Proposed tax hikes in France strike a nerve with top earners

American privilege comes with a cost — but is it too high?

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner made what some have called an outrageous claim about the roles of American citizens and their government, in calling for the most fortunate Americans to bear the burden of the privilege of being an American by paying higher taxes. Is it a privilege to be an American? And if so … what does that privilege cost?

Republicans signal willingness to compromise on payroll tax cut extension

Global Politics

In December, Republicans and Democrats managed to extend a payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits and a fix for Medicare payments. That extension runs out at the end of the month but, at least when it comes to the payroll tax cut, Republicans are willing to offer another extension through the end of the year.

Democrats pushing Republicans to extend payroll tax cuts

Global Politics

Democrats are hoping to use the millionaire’s tax to push through an extension in President Barack Obama’s payroll tax cuts. So far, though, Republicans are resisting the idea of the millionaires tax, though they may be willing to use other means to keep the tax cut in place.

How to get your cut of the 300 billion in tax credits

Working families can take advantage of nearly 300 billion dollars in tax credits and deductions for the 2009 tax year.

Fossil fuel subsidies and climate change

Environment

At the G20, President Obama said he would phase out fossil fuel subsidies as a way to combat climate change.