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There is an increasing interest in taxes on energy consumption.
Policymakers should take action to raise revenues, promote energy conservation, and reduce climate change.
Carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems that would increase energy-related and other prices must include measures to compensate for regional differences in energy costs and to adequately protect cons
Excise taxes are sales taxes on individual commodities, services, or transactions such as motor fuel, cigarettes, or home sales. For example, motor fuel taxes fund highways.
There are two main ways for governments to collect taxes. One is by taxing income directly. This is known as an income tax. The other is taxing only income that is spent.
Tax reform should focus on raising sufficient revenue. It should make the tax system more equitable and efficient. Reforms should:
States should increase the progressive nature of their income tax systems.
Reforming business taxes, such as corporate tax or a tax on the financial industry, should be considered in any effort to raise additional revenue.
States with income taxes should allow credits for taxes paid by their residents to other states so that no taxpayer is subject to double taxation.
Currently, some types of income are either taxed at lower rates than ordinary income or are exempt from taxation to some degree.