Congress is racing to pass the One Big Beautiful Tax Bill before the July 4 deadline. In this episode, Kyle Hulehan and Erica York break down what just happened over the weekend, what’s actually in the bill, and what comes next as the House and Senate try to reconcile their differences. Learn more: “Big Beautiful Bill” Senate GOP Tax Plan: Preliminary Details and Analysis: https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/big-beautiful-bill-senate-gop-tax-plan/ Budget Reconciliation Tracker: https:...
Jul 01, 2025•14 min
The House-passed reconciliation bill leaves out Trump’s promise to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, opting instead to expand the standard deduction for seniors. In this episode, Kyle Hulehan and Erica York are joined by Alex Durante to unpack how the deduction works, who benefits most, and how it compares to repealing Social Security taxes. Support the show Follow us! https://twitter.com/TaxFoundation https://twitter.com/deductionpod Support the show...
Jun 17, 2025•17 min
From generous tax breaks to costly trade-offs, the House GOP’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill has a little of everything. It’s a sweeping attempt to extend key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before they expire in 2026—but what’s actually in it? Kyle Hulehan and Erica York are joined by Garett Watson, Director of Policy Analysis at the Tax Foundation, to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly: who benefits, what it could mean for the economy, and how it might reshape your tax bill. Le...
Jun 02, 2025•25 min
It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours in tariff news: first, a trade court blocked Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, calling them executive overreach. Then, a federal appeals court reinstated them—at least for now. We break down what happened, what’s next, and why it matters. Support the show Follow us! https://twitter.com/TaxFoundation https://twitter.com/deductionpod Support the show...
May 29, 2025•9 min
We break down the House GOP’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill—a sweeping tax package designed to extend key parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before they expire in 2026. Kyle Hulehan is joined by Garett Watson, Director of Policy Analysis at the Tax Foundation, to unpack what’s actually in the bill, who benefits the most, and how it could impact the economy, federal revenue, and your taxes. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/blog/house-one-big-beautiful-bill-temporary-tax-policy/ https://taxfoundat...
May 20, 2025•17 min
What happens when the country’s most important retirement program runs out of money? Social Security faces a funding crisis by 2035. We unpack how the system works, why it’s in trouble, and what fixes could keep it afloat. Kyle Hulehan and Erica York are joined by Alex Durante, Senior Economist at the Tax Foundation. Together, they break down the trade-offs behind today’s biggest Social Security reform ideas. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/blog/how-the-payroll-tax-base-has-changed-over-time/ h...
May 07, 2025•39 min
Do tariffs really level the playing field, or are they just bad economics? In this emergency episode, we fact-check the Trump administration’s claims that retaliatory tariffs make trade fairer. Kyle Hulehan and Erica York break down the flawed research behind these arguments, explain who actually pays for tariffs, and discuss their real impact on businesses and consumers. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/trump-tariffs-trade-war/ https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-reciproca...
Apr 04, 2025•23 min
What are the biggest tax stories shaping policy today—and what do they mean for you? In our 100th episode, we break down the five biggest tax stories, from the global tax deal to the looming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Kyle Hulehan and Erica York are joined by Daniel Bunn, President and CEO of Tax Foundation, and Garrett Watson, Director of Policy Analysis. We also dive into the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, the rise of flat taxes in states, and the role of tar...
Apr 02, 2025•48 min
With property tax bills on the rise, homeowners are searching for answers—and some even want to abolish the tax altogether. In this episode, we break down why property taxes are increasing, discuss common but flawed solutions, and explain why the property tax remains an economically efficient revenue source. Senior Policy Analyst Manish Bhatt joins hosts Kyle Hulehan and Erica York to explore levy limits, circuit breakers, and policy reforms that could provide relief without distorting the housi...
Mar 05, 2025•18 min
How should states approach the unique challenges and opportunities presented by sports betting? In this episode, Adam Hoffer, Director of Excise Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation, joins Kyle Hulehan to unpack the intricacies of sports betting tax policy during one of the biggest betting events of the year—Super Bowl 59. https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/state/sports-betting-tax-revenue/ https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/sports-betting-taxes-by-state-2024/ Support the show Follow us! h...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min
Are tariffs making everything more expensive? With Trump’s new tariff plans hitting $1.1 trillion in imports—far more than his first term—prices could rise for businesses and consumers alike. Kyle Hulehan and cohost Erica York break down who really pays for tariffs, why they hurt lower-income Americans most, and whether they worked the first time around. Links: Trump Tariffs: Tracking the Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War Questions About Tax Cuts, Tariffs, and Reconciliation After the Elect...
Feb 05, 2025•19 min
What will the future of tax policy look like? In this episode, we dive into the critical challenges and opportunities looming on the horizon, especially with major tax cuts set to expire, which could increase taxes for 62 percent of filers. Kyle Hulehan and Erica York are joined by Daniel Bunn , President and CEO of the Tax Foundation. Together, they explore what needs to happen in tax policy this year to avert a fiscal crisis, discussing the best- and worst-case scenarios for taxpayers. They al...
Jan 22, 2025•20 min
What do you need to know to prepare for the upcoming tax year? Joining Kyle Hulehan is Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director. In this episode, they gear you up for 2025 by discussing key tax dates to mark on your calendar and the latest news affecting tax policy. Erica also shares insights from her recent congressional testimony on tariffs. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/testimony/t... https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-... Support the show Follow us! https://twitter.com/TaxFoun...
Dec 23, 2024•9 min
What happens to your taxes when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expires on January 1, 2026? In this episode, we explore the potential tax hikes facing millions of Americans and the debate over measuring the budgetary impacts of extending tax cuts. Kyle is joined by Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director, along with Garrett Watson, Senior Policy Analyst and Modeling Manager at the Tax Foundation. Together, they compare current policy with current law baselines and dive into how these decisi...
Dec 11, 2024•29 min
Join us on November 15th at 12:00 pm EST for our upcoming webinar as our experts seek to answer this question and provide insight on many more. Our experts will recap the election and provide insights on what to expect in 2025. We will also take some time to explore what US tax and trade policy shifts could mean for other countries, particularly in Europe. Tax Foundation’s President & CEO Daniel Bunn will lead a discussion with Tax Foundation’s own Will McBride and Erica York , who will focu...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr
Join hosts Kyle Hulehan and Erica York in this episode of The Deduction as they break down the US tax policy implications of Donald Trump’s next presidential term. With the GOP gaining control over the White House and likely both chambers of Congress, the discussion centers around potential legislative changes, the future of tax cuts, and the impact of tariffs on everyday taxpayers. Get insights into what Trump’s tax extensions and new proposals could mean for the economy, federal revenue, and h...
Nov 08, 2024•13 min
Can tariffs truly replace income taxes in today’s economy? In this episode, we examine the bold and controversial proposal from former President Trump to replace income taxes with tariffs. What would this dramatic shift mean for everyday Americans, particularly those with lower incomes? And would it actually work? To unpack these questions, Kyle Hulehan is joined by Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director, as they explore the impact of tariffs on household budgets and the economy as a...
Oct 30, 2024•19 min
Are tax increases on the horizon in 2025, no matter who takes office? In this episode, we explore why changes to the tax code could hit your wallet, regardless of which party comes out on top. Joining Kyle Hulehan is Erica York , Senior Economist and Research Director. They break down the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Trump’s plans for the tax code, and Harris’s proposals to raise taxes. Links Expiring TCJA Tax Provisions in 2026 Would Produce Substantial Tax Hike across the US See mo...
Oct 23, 2024•13 min
How does tax policy shape a nation's competitiveness? Today, we’re diving into the showdown between the US and China, exploring how China’s enticing tax incentives pose a formidable challenge to America’s economic supremacy. Joining Kyle is Alex Muresianu, Senior Policy Analyst at the Tax Foundation. Together, they explore how changes to US corporate taxes, including the restoration of full expensing for research and development, could be the key to ensuring America remains competitive on the gl...
Oct 16, 2024•32 min
Neither presidential candidate has a perfect tax plan. But what changes could Trump and Harris make to their respective tax plans to better serve American workers and the economy? In this episode, we dissect their plans and provide practical solutions for improvement. Joining Kyle Hulehan is Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director. Trump could boost take-home pay by expanding the standard deduction and rethinking tariffs. Meanwhile, Harris could spark wage growth by lowering corporate...
Oct 09, 2024•20 min
What do the contrasting tax proposals of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump mean for Americans as the 2024 election approaches? In this episode, we dive into the Tax Foundation's modeling of both candidates' plans, shedding light on how these proposals could impact Americans. Joining Kyle Hulehan is Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director. Together, they'll chat about the major economic implications of each candidate’s proposals, from national debt to econo...
Sep 25, 2024•15 min
What are the key challenges facing global tax policy today? Bob Stack, an international tax expert, explores the implications of the EU’s adoption of Pillar Two and the potential for streamlining overlapping policies. He also addresses the issues that the US faces in global tax policy with the upcoming elections. In this insightful discussion, Bob dives into these pressing issues, drawing on his extensive experience at the US Department of the Treasury. He offers valuable insights into the OECD ...
Sep 17, 2024•28 min
While tax policy was almost nonexistent in the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, this episode will explore each candidate’s latest proposals in greater depth. We’ll break down Kamala Harris's updated tax plan, highlighting her capital gains adjustments and new deductions for startups. We’ll also take a closer look at Trump’s plans for tax cuts and tariffs, discussing what they could mean for American families and businesses. Erica York , Senior ...
Sep 11, 2024•14 min
Dive into the highlights from the DNC as we break down Vice President Kamala Harris's tax proposals and their potential impact on everyday families. What do higher taxes on businesses and the wealthy mean for working Americans? Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director, joins Kyle Hulehan to examine her VP pick, Tim Walz, and how his progressive tax policies have shaped Minnesota's economy. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at Harris's child tax credit expansion. Links: https://taxfoundati...
Aug 28, 2024•11 min
How does living abroad impact the taxes an American has to pay? Unlike most countries that tax based on residency, the US employs citizenship-based taxation, meaning Americans are taxed on their global income regardless of where they reside. This unique system creates a web of complexities, including stringent reporting requirements and potential penalties, which can leave many US citizens feeling overwhelmed. In this discussion, Marylouise Serrato from American Citizens Abroad, joins Kyle Huleh...
Aug 15, 2024•31 min
The global tax deal and Pillar Two are shaking up the tax landscape worldwide, introducing a web of complexity and confusion. Today, we untangle the key aspects of these proposals, diving into the latest updates, compliance hurdles, and their ripple effects on industries and smaller nations. Join Daniel Bunn, President & CEO of the Tax Foundation, and Senior Economist Alan Cole, as they sit down with Kyle Hulehan to explore what the future holds for global taxation and what it means for the ...
Jul 30, 2024•34 min
Tax cuts vs. tax reform: what’s the real difference, and why does it matter? In this episode, we uncover why retroactive tax cuts and temporary tax breaks often miss the mark for long-term growth and how revenue-neutral tax reform can streamline the tax system without altering overall federal revenue. Erica York, Senior Economist and Research Director at the Tax Foundation, joins host Kyle Hulehan to reveal the true impact of tax policies on households and businesses and discuss how changes in m...
Jul 09, 2024•28 min
Taxing wealth has become a hot-button issue in today’s political discourse, promising to reshape economic equality. But what are the real-world implications of such policies? In this episode, we dive into the contentious world of taxing wealth, examine how a progressive tax system aims to balance fairness and revenue generation, and explore the potential impacts and broader implications for economic policy and social equity. Garrett Watson, Senior Policy Analyst and Modeling Manager at the Tax F...
Jun 25, 2024•31 min
Tariffs are a hot topic this election cycle for both President Biden and former President Trump. But why are tariffs so popular despite their economic downsides? In this episode, we unpack tariffs’ role in the political playbook, their impact on manufacturing jobs and consumers, and the Biden administration's review of Trump-era tariffs. Erica York , Senior Economist and Research Director at the Tax Foundation, joins Kyle Hulehan to break down the basics of tariffs, explore historical tariff fai...
Jun 04, 2024•34 min
Get ready to hit the autobahn and explore the world of German taxes! We'll navigate the complexities of Germany’s corporate tax structure, including the combined federal and local rates, and unravel the complexities of local trade taxes and the real estate transaction tax, exploring their impact on businesses and property investments. Alex Mengden, Global Policy Analyst, joins Kyle Hulehan to discuss Germany's unique federal system shaping state and local taxes, the intricacies of the value-adde...
May 21, 2024•33 min
