Tax Policy Paper

Due date: Monday, November 25th
Groups: You may work in groups of up to 5 people. You may also work individually if you prefer, but I advise against this for two reasons. First, subjecting yourself to the perspective/critique of others helps you to refine your arguments by exposing you to relevant counterpoints. Though it may take a bit longer, I believe you will find that papers worked on as a group will be more complete, and often more succinct. Second, working in groups gives me fewer papers to grade (just kidding1).
Assignment description: This group assignment is designed to help you better understand how the tax laws are set. Each group will write about a specific tax law provision. Assuming that the provision is about to expire, each group will write a paper that briefly summarizes the rules that pertain to their tax law provision, describes the history of how/why the tax law exists, and presents arguments for repeal or renewal of the tax law. Your grade will be based on the quality and clarity of your paper, and the persuasiveness of your arguments.
You may choose any tax rule you like. I understand that sometimes this level of flexibility can actually feel restricting and make it difficult to begin the project. If you find that you are having trouble identifying a tax rule, please come talk to me, and we will try to figure out one that interests you.
Length: I expect that these papers will be roughly 2-3 typed pages (spaced as you like). If you find that you need more space to fully express yourself, that is fine. If you feel that you have fully covered the rule’s history and context, and have made a convincing argument for/against its repeal or enactment in only 1-2 pages, that is fine too.