Why Should America Support the Earned Income Tax Credit?

View/ Open
Author
Kleine, Katja E.
Subject
Washington and Lee University, Shepherd Poverty Program
Earned income tax credit
Poverty
Tax Reduction Act of 1975 (United States)
Social justice
United States. Internal Revenue Service
Metadata
Show full item recordDescription
Katja E. Kleine is a member of the Class of 2014 of Washington and Lee University. Capstone; [FULL-TEXT FREELY AVAILABLE ONLINE] The purpose of this paper is first and foremost to bring more attention to the Earned Income Tax Credit and to respond to growing arguments against it. First, I will explain the arguments and attacks. Then, I will explain why any tax expenditure (whether benefiting low-income or high-income families) should be seen as a form of social spending; I will also defend the refundable portion of the EITC. Finally, I will answer the broad question: “Is the EITC an effective program?” In the end, I will show that the EITC is successful at lowering marginal tax rates and increasing labor supply. Just as importantly, I will also show that the Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the United States today; as a result, it should be both supported and expanded. [From Introduction] Katja Kleine