Tax Policy news
Tax policy debate and legislative proposals, including budget announcements, reform plans, international negotiations and the arguments around them, collected from governments, think tanks and specialist publishers. Technical guidance and rulings are filed under their own topics.
1,380 articles in the archive, showing the latest 50.
You’re Going the Wrong Way!
A Tax Notes piece by University of Michigan law professor Reuven Avi-Yonah questions proposals to force large private businesses to convert to C corporations, examining what policy goals such a move would actually achieve. The piece challenges the fiscal illusion…
Trump accounts expand to nearly 70M kids as stock proposal draws questions
The IRS has proposed rules to expand Trump accounts to nearly 70 million children, including a provision allowing donors to gift stock into these accounts. The proposal also requests comments on the strict minimum holding period requirements for beneficiaries.
Bloomberg: Ireland Plans More Changes to R&D Tax Credit, IP Incentives
Ireland plans to expand its R&D tax credit and extend refunds on intellectual property profits as part of its October budget. Finance Minister Simon Harris also announced changes to withholding taxes and committed to further implementation measures.
A Tax-Side Agenda for Addressing US Budget Deficits
With the US federal government projected to borrow $1.9 trillion in 2026, roughly one quarter of $7.4 trillion in total spending, and public debt at 100% of GDP, the article outlines a tax-side agenda for addressing structural budget deficits outside…
New ITEP Analysis: Trump Policies Raise Taxes and Costs for All Income Groups but the Richest 1%
A new ITEP analysis finds that major tax and economic policies under President Trump's second term, including the 2025 tax law and health care tax changes, are increasing taxes and household costs for nearly all income groups except the wealthiest…
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats: Senator Kearney Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Repeal Uniformity Clause, Expand Options for Tax Fairness in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Senator Tim Kearney is introducing a constitutional amendment to repeal the state's Uniformity Clause, which currently requires a flat tax rate on all income. Removing the clause would allow Pennsylvania legislators to pursue graduated income tax structures and other…
State Rundown 10/8: Ballot Debates and Gas Tax Promises Accelerate as Election Day Nears
As Election Day approaches, lawmakers in several states are debating proposals to suspend gas taxes amid rising fuel prices. The rundown covers ballot debates and political momentum around gas tax suspensions, with commentary on the cost and effectiveness of such…
Buffalo Sues Feds Over NY Tribe's Land Sale's Status
The city of Buffalo is suing the federal government to reverse a decision placing a 3.8-acre waterfront property into restricted fee status for the Seneca Nation of Indians, a move that could remove the land from the city's tax rolls…
Policy Matters Ohio: Gas Tax Holiday Won’t Make Ohio Affordable; Legislators Have Better Options
A Policy Matters Ohio analysis argues that a gas tax holiday is poorly targeted relief that provides minimal benefit to low-income Ohioans, drains state budget resources, and fails to address underlying affordability issues. The report contends legislators have better policy…
PRA records 31pc revenue growth in Q1FY27
Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) recorded a 31 percent increase in revenue collection during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, collecting Rs87 billion compared to Rs66.3 billion in the same period last year.
Former IRS chief teams with AICPA on AI tax risk group
Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and the AICPA are forming a new group focused on advancing responsible AI use in tax administration and tax practice. The initiative aims to address AI-related risks in both the IRS and the broader tax…
UPI MDR Rollout May Be Deferred to January 1, Beyond Festive Season
India's government is considering deferring the reintroduction of merchant discount rates (MDR) on UPI transactions from October 15 to January 1, pushing the rollout beyond the festive season. The decision is expected shortly. The news has negatively impacted shares of…
Poll: Nearly Two-Thirds of New Yorkers Support Ending Income Tax
A poll commissioned by the Empire Center for Public Policy finds that nearly two-thirds of New York voters support eliminating the state income tax, with 67% saying they do not receive good value for the taxes they pay.
Badenoch’s inheritance tax cut could cost £11bn – almost twice the advertised price
The UK Conservative Party proposes exempting family homes from inheritance tax and raising the tax-free allowance to £500,000 per person, claiming a £6bn annual cost. Analysis from the Tax Policy Associates suggests the true cost is £7.7bn to £10.9bn, as…
Inheritance tax is now a three-way political fight. What do advisers tell clients?
UK inheritance tax has become a three-way political contest, with advisers navigating how to guide clients amid policy uncertainty. The article explores the advice practitioners are giving clients in this environment.
France 2027 Budget VAT changes for television, company cars and property
France's 2027 Budget introduces VAT changes affecting television, company cars, and property. The article covers specific VAT rate or rule modifications in these sectors as part of France's finance bill.
57th GST Council Meet Approves Key Reforms & ITC Proposals
The 57th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, approved key reforms including measures to resolve GST disputes and improve input tax credit flow. The meeting aimed at reducing time and complexity…
The 2026 Ballot Measures Shaping State Taxes
Roughly 40 tax measures are on the 2026 ballot across 17 US states. Proposals include higher taxes on top earners, constitutional amendments locking in low rates, and a Missouri measure to establish a fund that could eventually replace all state…
Section 351 Exchanges and ETFs
The IRS issued Rev. Rul. 2026-20 targeting the use of Section 351 exchanges in the context of ETFs, specifically addressing so-called 'heartbeat' transactions. These transactions exploit ETFs' status as regulated investment companies under the tax code. The ruling signals IRS…
1st Circ. Skeptical Of Legal Basis For IRS-ICE Data Sharing
The First Circuit expressed skepticism at a hearing over the Trump administration's legal justification for sharing IRS tax records with ICE. The court questioned whether a tax code privacy exception for criminal investigations could be broadly used to access nearly…
A Small Value-Added Tax Could Pay for Tariff Repeal
The Tax Foundation argues that Trump administration tariffs should be replaced with a value-added tax, contending that a VAT would raise sustainable revenue with fewer economic distortions than the current tariff policy.
Corporate tax update – October 2026
Saffery's October 2026 corporate tax update covers key developments for businesses in the UK, including HMRC activity, policy changes, and recent case law, with practical guidance on where businesses may need to take action.
FBR tells IMF only 1,016 retailers have filed returns under Aasan Tax Scheme
Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue has informed the International Monetary Fund that only 1,016 retailers and shopkeepers have filed returns under the Aasan Tax Scheme.
How many times can you move to Monaco?
Dozens of news reports claim that property billionaire David Reuben, listed as number two on the UK Rich List, moved from London to Monaco this summer, reportedly pushed out by changes to UK tax rules.
Check if you're impacted by Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme
HMRC has published guidance on Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme, explaining what they are and how they may affect individuals and businesses.
Trump Says He’s Considering Gas Tax Suspension to Ease Costs
President Trump has said he is considering suspending the federal gas tax as part of his administration's efforts to reduce energy costs ahead of the midterm elections.
GST Council May Consider Reducing Tax on Delivery Charges From 18% to 5%
The 57th GST Council meeting is set to consider reducing the tax on delivery charges from 18% to 5%. The meeting, which focuses on streamlining tax rates, easing compliance and clarifying input tax credit claims across industries, will examine proposals…
Brief Overview of Special Tax Regimes in Europe – UK, Ireland, Gilbraltar, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus, Malta
This presentation gives a high-level overview of special tax regimes in selected European and other jurisdictions, including the UK, Ireland, Gibraltar, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus and Malta. It is aimed at internationally mobile high-net-worth individuals.
China’s New Offshore Trust Tax Rules
China has introduced new tax rules closing a longstanding gap in its treatment of offshore trusts. Previously, a Chinese resident could fund an offshore trust without triggering a response from tax authorities, but Beijing has now addressed this.
Belgium raises VAT registration threshold to €30,000 by 2031
Belgium is incrementally raising its VAT registration threshold to €30,000 by 2031, giving small businesses greater relief from VAT compliance obligations. The phased increase allows smaller enterprises to remain outside the VAT system for longer, reducing administrative burdens. This represents…
Irish Investment Account Technical Group Forum – information for applicants
The Irish Government has announced the development of a new Irish Investment Account, to be legislated for in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026. The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, has established a Technical Group Forum to inform…
Split Payment Tax Reform: Preparing Cash Flow for the Transition
Split payment VAT mechanisms, where the tax portion of a payment is diverted directly to government accounts rather than passing through the supplier, create significant cash flow challenges for businesses. This article examines how companies can prepare for split payment…
Canal+ Warns France’s VAT Hike Could Cost €200m and Hit Jobs
Canal+, the French pay-television group, has warned that France's proposed VAT rate increase on its services could cost the company approximately €200 million and threaten jobs. The company argues the hike disproportionately impacts subscription-based media businesses and could force subscription…
Why are the Tories talking about inheritance tax?
The UK Conservative Party has renewed focus on inheritance tax, likely as a political positioning strategy ahead of future elections. The discussion centres on whether inheritance tax rates, thresholds, or exemptions should be reformed, reflecting broader debates about wealth transfer,…
New York City’s Pied-a-Terre Tax: New Annual Surcharge on High-Value Non-Primary Residences Effective July 1, 2026 | | Andersen
New York City is introducing a pied-a-terre tax, an annual surcharge on high-value non-primary residences, effective July 1, 2026. The tax targets properties not used as a primary residence, adding a new layer of property-related taxation for owners of luxury…
EU proposes extending optional VAT reverse charge to July 2030 ViDA
The EU is proposing to extend the optional VAT reverse charge mechanism deadline to July 2030, aligning it with the broader VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) reform timeline. The optional reverse charge allows member states to apply the mechanism…
Senate Dems Call on IRS to Drop Citizenship Question From 1040 Form
A group of nearly a dozen Senate Democrats has written to IRS chief Frank Bisignano calling for the removal of a proposed citizenship and work authorisation checkbox from the 2026 Form 1040 before it is finalised.
Taxing Entrepreneurial Wealth: Evidence from Norway
A new working paper published through NBER examines whether higher taxes on business owners harm business activity by restricting investment or causing wealthy individuals to relocate, drawing on evidence from Norway.
Trump Allows Dyed Fuel In Highway Use, Defers Excise Taxes
President Trump signed an executive order to temporarily permit road vehicles to use dyed diesel fuel, which is ordinarily restricted to off-road use, and to defer the federal excise taxes that would normally apply.
ITEP Comment on Tax Credit Restrictions for Immigrants
A proposal would prevent certain immigrant tax filers from receiving the refunded portion of several tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, and Adoption Tax Credit.
New State Taxes on the Wealthy Raise Revenue and Rebalance Tax Codes, Advancing Racial Justice
Raising taxes on wealthy individuals generates revenue for public services and makes tax codes fairer. Advocates argue that such policies also serve as an effective tool for advancing racial equity, though this aspect of the debate receives less attention than…
Graetz on the New IRS Regulations to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status
Michael Graetz has published a piece in Tax Notes criticising proposed IRS regulations that would revoke the tax-exempt status of private schools. The regulations, published as REG-119986-25, are described by Graetz as an assault on pluralistic democracy. The full article…
Capital gains tax reform was right. Now it’s dead.
The UK has missed an opportunity to reform capital gains tax. Pre-budget speculation about potential changes undermined the revenue that reform could have raised, and the moment for action has now passed.
GST Council May Consider Proposals on Arrest Powers, ITC Protection & Prosecution Threshold at Upcoming Meeting
The GST Council is set to consider a package of enforcement and process reforms at its meeting on 8 October, including a proposal to remove tax officers' power to arrest taxpayers and transfer that authority to the judiciary. The council…
Why are the Tories obsessed with inheritance tax?
The article examines the UK Conservative Party's persistent focus on inheritance tax, exploring the political and ideological motivations behind their repeated calls for reform or abolition of the tax. It considers whether inheritance tax policy reflects genuine public concern or…
Belgium debates 1% VAT hike to 22%
Belgium is debating a proposal to increase its standard VAT rate by one percentage point, from the current 21% to 22%. The discussion is part of broader fiscal consolidation efforts as the government explores revenue-raising measures. A VAT rate increase…
Swiss VAT rise 8.1% to 8.5% referendum
Switzerland's parliament is working toward a compromise to raise the standard VAT rate from 8.1% to 8.5%. The proposal is subject to a potential referendum, reflecting Switzerland's direct democracy process for significant fiscal changes. The rate increase is primarily intended…
IRS Gets Rid of 71 Pieces of Old Tax Guidance
The IRS is removing 71 pieces of guidance, including revenue rulings, revenue procedures, notices and announcements previously published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. The move forms part of the Trump administration's broader effort to reduce regulations.
Zelinsky: Why New York’s Pied-à-Terre Tax Is Unconstitutional
A law professor argues that New York City's pied-à-terre property tax surcharge on expensive second homes is unconstitutional. Although judicial review of tax laws under the equal protection clause of the US Constitution is limited, the article contends the surcharge…
Novel Strategy Prompted ETF Guidance, Treasury Atty Says
A US Treasury official has said that recent guidance cracking down on improper use of exchange-traded fund conversions was prompted by a marketed transaction that existing rules targeting abusive practices did not directly address. The guidance took the form of…