

The Deduction
Tax Foundation
The Deduction is your guide to the complicated world of tax and economics. From the impacts of tariffs and trade wars to debates over who pays and how much, each episode, our experts untangle another aspect of the tax code. Listen to the leading tax podcast! Have a question for one of our experts, let us know here: https://taxfoundation.org/mailbag. Follow us on Twitter @deductionpod: https://twitter.com/deductionpod
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 4, 2025 • 23min
The Truth About Tariffs—Fact-Checking Trump’s Trade Claims
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-reciprocal-tariffs-calculations/https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-tariffs-prices-long-term-effects/https://taxfoundation.org/topics/tariffs-and-trade/Support the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Apr 2, 2025 • 48min
Understanding the 5 Most Critical Tax Issues in Today’s Debate
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 tariffs in tax policy. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/podcast/all/understanding-property-taxes/https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/trump-tariffs-trade-war/https://taxfoundation.org/blog/global-tax-agreement/https://taxfoundation.org/blog/flat-tax-state-income-tax-reform/https://taxfoundation.org/blog/inflation-reduction-act-ira-credits-repeal-reform/Support the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Mar 5, 2025 • 18min
Understanding the Property Tax
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 housing market. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/state/property-tax-relief-reform-options/https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/property-taxes-by-state-county/Support the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Feb 11, 2025 • 26min
The High Stakes of Sports Betting Taxes
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 showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Feb 5, 2025 • 19min
Trump’s Tariff War Returns
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 WarQuestions About Tax Cuts, Tariffs, and Reconciliation After the ElectionWhy the Economic Effects of Taxes (Including Tariffs) MatterFive Things To Know About Trump’s Income Tax and Tariffs IdeaSupport the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Jan 22, 2025 • 20min
Will Your Taxes Go Up? Best- and Worst-case Scenarios for Tax Reform in 2025
In a riveting discussion, Daniel Bunn, President and CEO of the Tax Foundation, sheds light on the looming changes in tax policy with tax cuts set to expire in 2025. Bunn emphasizes the potential for tax hikes impacting over 60% of filers, along with the urgent need for reforms to avoid fiscal crisis. He explores the prospects for bipartisan cooperation, the necessary principles of simplicity and transparency, and the significant real-life impacts of proposed reforms, including possible increases of up to $2,500 in tax bills.

Dec 23, 2024 • 9min
What Should Taxpayers Expect in 2025?
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 showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Dec 11, 2024 • 29min
Behind the Numbers: Budget Shenanigans and the National Debt
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 decisions could impact future deficits, economic growth, and fiscal policy.Links: https://taxfoundation.org/blog/extending-tax-cuts-budgetary-impact/Support the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Nov 15, 2024 • 60min
Webinar | The Future of US Tax Policy in 2025
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 focus on what the election means for US federal tax policy, and Sean Bray, who will link US tax developments to the European policy landscape.Support the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show

Nov 8, 2024 • 13min
Post-Election Analysis: Trump’s Tax Plans and Economic Impact
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 household finances. Links: https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/donald-trump-tax-plan-2024/ https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-tariffs-revenue-estimates/ https://taxfoundation.org/blog/largest-tax-increase-harris-trump/ Support the showFollow us!https://twitter.com/TaxFoundationhttps://twitter.com/deductionpodSupport the show