Why Investment Income Is Often Taxed Less Than Wages
The gap between capital gains and ordinary rates fuels a fairness debate.
By David Lindqvist · July 2, 2026
Tax Analysis
In-depth analysis connecting tax data, policy, and economics into context for readers.
How a Bigger Standard Deduction Reshaped American Taxes
Fewer filers itemize now, changing incentives for giving and borrowing.
By David Lindqvist · June 26, 2026
The Future of Filing: Will Doing Your Taxes Ever Be Easy?
Technology, politics, and industry interests all shape what comes next.
By David Lindqvist · June 8, 2026
How Inflation Quietly Changes Your Tax Bill
Indexed brackets help, but not every part of the code keeps pace.
By David Lindqvist · May 15, 2026
How U.S. Taxes Compare With Other Wealthy Nations
Total tax burden and mix look different across developed economies.
By David Lindqvist · April 25, 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
Who Actually Pays Federal Income Tax? A Look at the Data
IRS figures reveal how the burden is distributed across incomes.
By David Lindqvist · March 29, 2026
Tax Credits as Hidden Spending: The 'Tax Expenditure' Debate
Breaks in the code function like government programs — worth hundreds of billions.
By David Lindqvist · March 7, 2026
For Many Workers, Payroll Tax Beats Income Tax
A large share of households pay more in payroll than income tax.
By David Lindqvist · February 5, 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