Tax avoidance in the US: Unpacking the systemic drivers of a crisis that imperils the republic
Original framing: “Just stop moaning and pay your taxes” — Financial Times
The history of tax avoidance in the US is closely tied to the country's history of wealth concentration and the erosion of social welfare policies. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, for example, disproportionately benefited corporate elites and further exacerbated wealth inequality.
The crisis of tax avoidance in the US is a symptom of a broader systemic problem, rooted in the country's history of wealth concentration and the erosion of social welfare policies.
To truly address this issue, policymakers must confront the underlying power dynamics driving tax avoidance, including corporate lobbying and the decline of progressive taxation. By centering the perspectives of marginalized communities and engaging in evidence-based decision-making, policymakers can develop more effective solutions that prioritize social welfare and collective well-being. This requires a nuanced understanding of the underlying causes of tax avoidance and a commitment to transparency and accountability. By inverting the narrative of tax avoidance and prioritizing social solidarity, policymakers can develop more equitable solutions that benefit all citizens, not just corporate elites.