Abstract
We examine the measurement of tax expenditures, as well as review issues concerning the classification of tax expenditures generally. We use calculations from the Tax Policy Center's microsimulation tax model to illustrate some of the problems with the current methodology for estimating tax expenditures. Unlike most previous work on the topic, we focus on how features of the current tax system including the alternative minimum tax and sunset rules complicate and compromise the value of information provided by the tax expenditure budget. We also present alternative measures of tax expenditures to improve the quality of information regarding the federal tax system.