Tax Policy Questions

1.What is meant by the term "rifle shot provision" and why might a Member of Congress consider promoting one?Why might he or she want to avoid promoting one?

2.Over the years, policy-makers have made much of their attempts to eliminate tax "marriage penalties."How successful have these efforts been (give at least one example), and why do you think we have not seen an equal enthusiasm for eradicating tax "marriage bonuses?"

3.What is the major significance of the "Byrd Rule" to tax legislation?

4.What is a "Blue Book" and list one reason a tax practitioner might want to consult one.

5.Why has Congress not yet corrected most of the technical errors made in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017?

6.Has the number of expired or expiring tax provisions grown or shrunk over the past decade?When and why?

7.Why are charitable organizations concerned about the 2017 change in the standard deduction?

8.Explain briefly why major tax acts often occur in the first year of a new president's term.

9.Some say that December 31, 2025 will likely represent the eve of one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history.Why would they say this when we don't even know who will be the president or which party will control Congress at that time?

10.What is or was PAYGO?When did it come into the law and what does or did it have to do with tax legislation?Is it still applicable?