Could Filing Taxes Get Simpler? The Push for Return-Free Systems
Advocates say the IRS could pre-fill returns; critics warn of trade-offs.
By Diane Kennedy · June 29, 2026
Diane Kennedy
Tax Policy Reporter
Diane Kennedy reports on federal tax legislation, Treasury rulemaking, and the politics of tax reform on Capitol Hill. She focuses on how policy debates translate into real rules for taxpayers.
Latest by Diane
Key Provisions of the 2017 Tax Law Are Set to Expire
Lower individual rates and a larger standard deduction sunset without action from Congress.
By Diane Kennedy · June 8, 2026
The $10,000 SALT Cap Remains a Political Flashpoint
The limit on state and local tax deductions divides high-tax and low-tax states.
By Diane Kennedy · June 6, 2026
The Marriage Penalty and Bonus, Explained
How the tax code rewards some couples and quietly costs others.
By Diane Kennedy · May 27, 2026
How Congress Uses the Tax Code to Push Retirement Saving
Recent laws expanded 401(k) and IRA rules to nudge Americans to save more.
By Diane Kennedy · May 21, 2026
The 'Tax Gap': Why Hundreds of Billions Go Uncollected
The difference between taxes owed and paid drives debates over enforcement funding.
By Diane Kennedy · May 4, 2026
The 20% Qualified Business Income Deduction, Explained
A major break for pass-through businesses comes with limits and phase-outs.
By Diane Kennedy · April 26, 2026
Corporate Tax Rate Back in the Spotlight
Proposals to raise or preserve the 21% rate carry big revenue and investment stakes.
By Diane Kennedy · April 18, 2026
Why a Big Tax Refund Isn't the Win It Feels Like
A large refund means you lent the government money at zero interest.
By Diane Kennedy · April 5, 2026
State Sales Taxes: Why the Rate Changes at the Checkout
Combined state and local rates vary widely — and so do what's taxed.
By Diane Kennedy · March 24, 2026
The States With No Income Tax — and the Trade-Offs
Nine states skip a wage tax, but the money comes from somewhere.
By Diane Kennedy · March 15, 2026
Clean Energy Tax Credits: A Policy Built Into Your Return
Federal credits for EVs, solar, and efficiency reshape household and business decisions.
By Diane Kennedy · March 11, 2026
Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Small Business, Simplified
Four payments a year keep the self-employed penalty-free.
By Diane Kennedy · February 16, 2026
The Federal Gas Tax Hasn't Risen in Decades. Now What?
A flat per-gallon levy funds highways but buys less every year as costs climb.
By Diane Kennedy · February 15, 2026
The Home Office Deduction: Who Qualifies and How to Claim It
Employees generally can't, but the self-employed often can.
By Diane Kennedy · February 10, 2026
The Estate Tax Exemption Is Scheduled to Fall by Half
Without new law, the amount shielded from estate tax drops sharply after 2025.
By Diane Kennedy · February 2, 2026
Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation: Big Write-Offs for Equipment
Businesses can deduct the cost of assets faster — within annual limits.
By Diane Kennedy · January 26, 2026
The Hidden Cost of a Complicated Tax Code
Americans spend billions of hours and dollars just to comply.
By Diane Kennedy · January 20, 2026
Gas Taxes by State: Why Prices at the Pump Differ
State fuel levies fund roads and vary by tens of cents per gallon.
By Diane Kennedy · January 14, 2026