Tax expenditure meaning

Tax expenditure refers to provisions in the tax code that result in the government foregoing potential tax revenue.


Tax expenditure definitions

Word backwards xat erutidnepxe
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division tax | ex-pen-di-ture
Plural The plural of the word "tax expenditure" is "tax expenditures."
Total letters 14
Vogais (4) a,e,i,u
Consonants (6) t,x,p,n,d,r

Tax expenditures refer to specific provisions in the tax code that provide preferential tax treatment for certain activities or groups of taxpayers. These provisions result in reduced tax liability for those who benefit from them, essentially functioning as government spending through the tax code.

Tax expenditures can take many forms, including deductions, credits, exclusions, and preferential tax rates. They are often used to promote particular behaviors or achieve specific policy goals by providing financial incentives through the tax system.

Types of tax expenditures

Common examples of tax expenditures include the mortgage interest deduction, which allows taxpayers to deduct interest paid on their mortgages, and the earned income tax credit, which provides a refundable credit to low-income individuals and families.

Impact of tax expenditures

The use of tax expenditures can have a significant impact on government revenue and budgeting. While they may be intended to achieve certain social or economic outcomes, they can also result in foregone revenue for the government.

Furthermore, tax expenditures can disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers who are more likely to take advantage of these provisions, leading to questions of fairness and equity in the tax system.

Transparency and evaluation

It is important for policymakers to regularly evaluate tax expenditures to ensure that they are achieving their intended goals and are cost-effective. Transparency in the use of tax expenditures is also crucial to allow for public scrutiny and accountability.

In conclusion, tax expenditures play a significant role in the tax system by providing targeted incentives and benefits. However, careful consideration and monitoring are essential to ensure that they are meeting their intended objectives and serving the best interests of the public.


Tax expenditure Examples

  1. The tax expenditure on mortgage interest deductions benefits homeowners.
  2. Reducing tax expenditure on corporate subsidies could increase government revenue.
  3. The tax expenditure on healthcare expenses can help individuals save money.
  4. Eliminating tax expenditure on fossil fuel subsidies could promote renewable energy.
  5. The tax expenditure on charitable contributions encourages donations to nonprofits.
  6. Limiting tax expenditure on capital gains may impact investment decisions.
  7. Increasing tax expenditure on education expenses could make schooling more affordable.
  8. The tax expenditure on retirement savings incentivizes individuals to save for the future.
  9. Tax expenditure on child care expenses can support working families.
  10. The tax expenditure on research and development credits stimulates innovation.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 23:14:39