In a time of both budget surpluses and hostility toward government spending, tax breaks are politically appealing. But most tax breaks fail tests of transparency, accountability, and progressivity. This report, prepared by The Century Foundation Working Group on Tax Expenditures, offers broad policy recommendations as well as numerous examples of unjustifiable tax breaks. The report also includes three background papers:
·”Evaluating Tax Incentives as a Tool for Social and Economic Policy” by Eric Toder, Working Group executive director
·”Tax Expenditures in the Federal Budget” by Michael Ettlinger, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
·”Tax Breaks and Behavior: A Review of Evidence” by Bernard Wasow, The Century Foundation.