Andrew Lautz
@andrewlautz.bsky.social
Working on all things tax and econ policy for Bipartisan Policy Center.
We've said before that this filing season will be a stress test on the IRS: funding cuts, staff reductions, OBBB changes (see next post).
This story highlights an early response to that stress test: involuntary, 4-month reassignments of HR/IT staff to taxpayer services.
This story highlights an early response to that stress test: involuntary, 4-month reassignments of HR/IT staff to taxpayer services.
The IRS is asking seasoned employees without any direct tax experience to perform entry-level tasks of answering phones and processing tax returns, a step impacted staff call unprecedented as the agency scrambles to prepare for filing season.
buff.ly/52RfQeA
buff.ly/52RfQeA
‘Setting this agency up for failure:’ Amid staffing crunch, IRS taps employees with no relevant experience to assist during filing season
The tax agency is taking unusual steps to prepare for its busy season after watchdog finds it is severely underprepared.
www.govexec.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:29 PM
We've said before that this filing season will be a stress test on the IRS: funding cuts, staff reductions, OBBB changes (see next post).
This story highlights an early response to that stress test: involuntary, 4-month reassignments of HR/IT staff to taxpayer services.
This story highlights an early response to that stress test: involuntary, 4-month reassignments of HR/IT staff to taxpayer services.
Reposted by Andrew Lautz
The IRS is asking seasoned employees without any direct tax experience to perform entry-level tasks of answering phones and processing tax returns, a step impacted staff call unprecedented as the agency scrambles to prepare for filing season.
buff.ly/52RfQeA
buff.ly/52RfQeA
‘Setting this agency up for failure:’ Amid staffing crunch, IRS taps employees with no relevant experience to assist during filing season
The tax agency is taking unusual steps to prepare for its busy season after watchdog finds it is severely underprepared.
www.govexec.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:35 PM
The IRS is asking seasoned employees without any direct tax experience to perform entry-level tasks of answering phones and processing tax returns, a step impacted staff call unprecedented as the agency scrambles to prepare for filing season.
buff.ly/52RfQeA
buff.ly/52RfQeA
New from us @bipartisanpolicy.org: crypto tax policy is a hot topic on Capitol Hill right now.
We have some broad thoughts on how lawmakers should be thinking about de minimis, mining/staking, and more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/...
We have some broad thoughts on how lawmakers should be thinking about de minimis, mining/staking, and more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/...
How Should Cryptocurrency Be Taxed? Bipartisan Principles on Mining, Staking, De Minimis, and More • Bipartisan Policy Center
Digital assets are becoming a major force in the U.S. and global economy, raising complex questions about taxation and regulation. As Congress considers new rules—especially for stablecoins—taxpayers ...
bipartisanpolicy.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:03 PM
New from us @bipartisanpolicy.org: crypto tax policy is a hot topic on Capitol Hill right now.
We have some broad thoughts on how lawmakers should be thinking about de minimis, mining/staking, and more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/...
We have some broad thoughts on how lawmakers should be thinking about de minimis, mining/staking, and more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/issue-brief/...
Reposted by Andrew Lautz
“There are a lot of things that are likely to drive higher refunds [during the 2026] filing season.” Our own @andrewlautz.bsky.social was quoted in today’s CNBC story on the 2026 filing season. Read the article to see how your tax returns are affected this season.
How Trump's tax cuts will impact your return as the 2026 filing season opens
How Trump's tax cuts will impact your return as the 2026 filing season opens
Tax season opened on Jan. 26. Here's how Trump's tax cuts from 2025 could impact your return.
cnb.cx
January 27, 2026 at 8:24 PM
“There are a lot of things that are likely to drive higher refunds [during the 2026] filing season.” Our own @andrewlautz.bsky.social was quoted in today’s CNBC story on the 2026 filing season. Read the article to see how your tax returns are affected this season.
President Trump and Speaker Johnson have both called out the Congressional Budget Office's 1.8% economic growth assumption for the next decade.
Setting aside the notion CBO does projections based on the party in power (they don't), growth has been on a clear downward trend for decades.
Setting aside the notion CBO does projections based on the party in power (they don't), growth has been on a clear downward trend for decades.
June 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
President Trump and Speaker Johnson have both called out the Congressional Budget Office's 1.8% economic growth assumption for the next decade.
Setting aside the notion CBO does projections based on the party in power (they don't), growth has been on a clear downward trend for decades.
Setting aside the notion CBO does projections based on the party in power (they don't), growth has been on a clear downward trend for decades.
Reposted by Andrew Lautz
ICYMI: Is the SALT deduction always/sometimes/never a good policy? @andrewlautz.bsky.social on the impact and trade-offs of raising the SALT deductions cap:
www.wnyc.org/story/salt-c...
www.wnyc.org/story/salt-c...
SALT Cap Trade-Offs | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
The impact of raising the cap on SALT (state and local tax) deductions that benefit many New York and New Jersey taxpayers.
www.wnyc.org
May 29, 2025 at 6:33 PM
ICYMI: Is the SALT deduction always/sometimes/never a good policy? @andrewlautz.bsky.social on the impact and trade-offs of raising the SALT deductions cap:
www.wnyc.org/story/salt-c...
www.wnyc.org/story/salt-c...
Reposted by Andrew Lautz
Today:
- @andrewlautz.bsky.social on raising the SALT deductions cap,
- Envisioning 'good government' in NYC with @citizensunionny.bsky.social,
- @contrapoints.bsky.social on conspiracy theories,
- Listeners, what would YOU wait on line for?
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- @andrewlautz.bsky.social on raising the SALT deductions cap,
- Envisioning 'good government' in NYC with @citizensunionny.bsky.social,
- @contrapoints.bsky.social on conspiracy theories,
- Listeners, what would YOU wait on line for?
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
May 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Today:
- @andrewlautz.bsky.social on raising the SALT deductions cap,
- Envisioning 'good government' in NYC with @citizensunionny.bsky.social,
- @contrapoints.bsky.social on conspiracy theories,
- Listeners, what would YOU wait on line for?
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- @andrewlautz.bsky.social on raising the SALT deductions cap,
- Envisioning 'good government' in NYC with @citizensunionny.bsky.social,
- @contrapoints.bsky.social on conspiracy theories,
- Listeners, what would YOU wait on line for?
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
Reposted by Andrew Lautz
More Americans may be paying individual alternative minimum tax if a change in the House-passed Republican tax-and-spending package remains in place.
But it won't get close to pre-TCJA levels, @kylepomerleau.bsky.social and @andrewlautz.bsky.social say.
buff.ly/Ak16FNg
But it won't get close to pre-TCJA levels, @kylepomerleau.bsky.social and @andrewlautz.bsky.social say.
buff.ly/Ak16FNg
Bloomberg Tax
buff.ly
May 28, 2025 at 2:20 PM
More Americans may be paying individual alternative minimum tax if a change in the House-passed Republican tax-and-spending package remains in place.
But it won't get close to pre-TCJA levels, @kylepomerleau.bsky.social and @andrewlautz.bsky.social say.
buff.ly/Ak16FNg
But it won't get close to pre-TCJA levels, @kylepomerleau.bsky.social and @andrewlautz.bsky.social say.
buff.ly/Ak16FNg
Reposted by Andrew Lautz
Lawmakers from both parties want to revisit the current $10K cap on state and local #tax (SALT) deductions. Our explainer details how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed SALT, who is most affected by the present cap, & suggests principles for fiscally responsible reform.
🔗https://bit.ly/4lhqOK9
🔗https://bit.ly/4lhqOK9
April 7, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Lawmakers from both parties want to revisit the current $10K cap on state and local #tax (SALT) deductions. Our explainer details how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed SALT, who is most affected by the present cap, & suggests principles for fiscally responsible reform.
🔗https://bit.ly/4lhqOK9
🔗https://bit.ly/4lhqOK9
Congress' tax scorekeeper, JCT, is out with new scores today on the cost of extending the 2017 GOP tax cuts.
JCT finds that extension costs $4.1 trillion over 10 years, and $700 billion more tacked on due to the extra interest payments we'll have to make on our debt.
punchbowl.news/wyden_merkle...
JCT finds that extension costs $4.1 trillion over 10 years, and $700 billion more tacked on due to the extra interest payments we'll have to make on our debt.
punchbowl.news/wyden_merkle...
April 4, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Congress' tax scorekeeper, JCT, is out with new scores today on the cost of extending the 2017 GOP tax cuts.
JCT finds that extension costs $4.1 trillion over 10 years, and $700 billion more tacked on due to the extra interest payments we'll have to make on our debt.
punchbowl.news/wyden_merkle...
JCT finds that extension costs $4.1 trillion over 10 years, and $700 billion more tacked on due to the extra interest payments we'll have to make on our debt.
punchbowl.news/wyden_merkle...
New from Rachel Snyderman and I:
What’s in the Senate GOP budget?
💸 1) up to $5.7 TRILLION in higher deficits/debt
🫣 2) an attempt to obscure a huge portion of that behind a "current policy" baseline that says tax cuts are free.
Read more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/wh...
What’s in the Senate GOP budget?
💸 1) up to $5.7 TRILLION in higher deficits/debt
🫣 2) an attempt to obscure a huge portion of that behind a "current policy" baseline that says tax cuts are free.
Read more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/wh...
What’s in the FY2025 Senate Budget Resolution | Bipartisan Policy Center
The Senate Budget Committee introduced a budget resolution for fiscal year (FY) 2025 and passed it out of committee on an 11-10 party line…
bipartisanpolicy.org
April 3, 2025 at 1:08 AM
New from Rachel Snyderman and I:
What’s in the Senate GOP budget?
💸 1) up to $5.7 TRILLION in higher deficits/debt
🫣 2) an attempt to obscure a huge portion of that behind a "current policy" baseline that says tax cuts are free.
Read more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/wh...
What’s in the Senate GOP budget?
💸 1) up to $5.7 TRILLION in higher deficits/debt
🫣 2) an attempt to obscure a huge portion of that behind a "current policy" baseline that says tax cuts are free.
Read more:
bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/wh...
Happy baseline week. Remember: no budgetary rule can make $4.5 trillion in tax cuts cost $0!
Current policy just obscures the cost from the public and breaks decades of precedent.
Current policy just obscures the cost from the public and breaks decades of precedent.
March 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Happy baseline week. Remember: no budgetary rule can make $4.5 trillion in tax cuts cost $0!
Current policy just obscures the cost from the public and breaks decades of precedent.
Current policy just obscures the cost from the public and breaks decades of precedent.
📈 Congressional Budget Office finds extending Trump tax cuts w/o pay-fors would increase debt to GDP by almost 50 percentage points by 2054.
The baseline is a political choice, but it doesn't change that extending the tax cuts w/o paying for them adds trillions to debt.
www.cbo.gov/publication/...
The baseline is a political choice, but it doesn't change that extending the tax cuts w/o paying for them adds trillions to debt.
www.cbo.gov/publication/...
March 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM
📈 Congressional Budget Office finds extending Trump tax cuts w/o pay-fors would increase debt to GDP by almost 50 percentage points by 2054.
The baseline is a political choice, but it doesn't change that extending the tax cuts w/o paying for them adds trillions to debt.
www.cbo.gov/publication/...
The baseline is a political choice, but it doesn't change that extending the tax cuts w/o paying for them adds trillions to debt.
www.cbo.gov/publication/...
The baseline debate is important because it's about transparency and honesty.
What it doesn't change is that extending the 2017 tax cuts costs $4 trillion over a decade.
Some friends here do a great job of explaining this for folks who aren't enmeshed in nerdy budget battles.
What it doesn't change is that extending the 2017 tax cuts costs $4 trillion over a decade.
Some friends here do a great job of explaining this for folks who aren't enmeshed in nerdy budget battles.
The Budget Trick the G.O.P. Might Use to Make a $4 Trillion Tax Cut Look Free www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Current Policy Baseline: The Budget Trick That Could Make Tax Cuts Look Free
A maneuver so wonky that it might be best explained with sports cars and anime streaming.
www.nytimes.com
March 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The baseline debate is important because it's about transparency and honesty.
What it doesn't change is that extending the 2017 tax cuts costs $4 trillion over a decade.
Some friends here do a great job of explaining this for folks who aren't enmeshed in nerdy budget battles.
What it doesn't change is that extending the 2017 tax cuts costs $4 trillion over a decade.
Some friends here do a great job of explaining this for folks who aren't enmeshed in nerdy budget battles.
Aaron Judge's contract pays $40 million this year, but the Yankees are just continuing his current contract so it actually costs $0.
Sound ridiculous?
This is the "current policy" gimmick some Republicans are mulling for tax cuts.
Great metaphors here:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Sound ridiculous?
This is the "current policy" gimmick some Republicans are mulling for tax cuts.
Great metaphors here:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Current Policy Baseline: The Budget Trick That Could Make Tax Cuts Look Free (Gift Article)
A maneuver so wonky that it might be best explained with sports cars and anime streaming.
www.nytimes.com
March 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Aaron Judge's contract pays $40 million this year, but the Yankees are just continuing his current contract so it actually costs $0.
Sound ridiculous?
This is the "current policy" gimmick some Republicans are mulling for tax cuts.
Great metaphors here:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Sound ridiculous?
This is the "current policy" gimmick some Republicans are mulling for tax cuts.
Great metaphors here:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Me convincing myself my 401(k) balance isn't down if I don't check it:
March 15, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Me convincing myself my 401(k) balance isn't down if I don't check it:
The GOP's reconciliation bill is a moving target, and the menu of options changes daily.
Currently, the agenda may exceed $7 trillion over 10 years before offsets.
Lawmakers need to pay for new tax cuts/spending to avoid increasing deficits by a third.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
Currently, the agenda may exceed $7 trillion over 10 years before offsets.
Lawmakers need to pay for new tax cuts/spending to avoid increasing deficits by a third.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
January 28, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The GOP's reconciliation bill is a moving target, and the menu of options changes daily.
Currently, the agenda may exceed $7 trillion over 10 years before offsets.
Lawmakers need to pay for new tax cuts/spending to avoid increasing deficits by a third.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
Currently, the agenda may exceed $7 trillion over 10 years before offsets.
Lawmakers need to pay for new tax cuts/spending to avoid increasing deficits by a third.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
With skyrocketing government debt + borrowing costs, paying for new spending hikes or tax cuts is critical.
At Bipartisan Policy Center we have a new resource with options to pay for $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts.
One set of options out today. More next week.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
At Bipartisan Policy Center we have a new resource with options to pay for $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts.
One set of options out today. More next week.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
December 5, 2024 at 2:21 PM
With skyrocketing government debt + borrowing costs, paying for new spending hikes or tax cuts is critical.
At Bipartisan Policy Center we have a new resource with options to pay for $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts.
One set of options out today. More next week.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
At Bipartisan Policy Center we have a new resource with options to pay for $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts.
One set of options out today. More next week.
bipartisanpolicy.org/tcja-offsets/
A crosswalk to how $45.6 billion in enforcement funding can turn into $2.5 billion in two years, with only 3% of the money actually spent.
Of the overall $79.6 billion to the IRS, a larger portion remains ($27.1 billion or 34%).
Of the overall $79.6 billion to the IRS, a larger portion remains ($27.1 billion or 34%).
November 27, 2024 at 3:13 PM
A crosswalk to how $45.6 billion in enforcement funding can turn into $2.5 billion in two years, with only 3% of the money actually spent.
Of the overall $79.6 billion to the IRS, a larger portion remains ($27.1 billion or 34%).
Of the overall $79.6 billion to the IRS, a larger portion remains ($27.1 billion or 34%).
👋 Bluesky! Want to post a bit here as the 2025 tax debate gets underway in Washington.
Created a Tax Starter Pack for other tax folks coming here -- policy wonks, reporters, etc. -- but let me know if I missed you!
go.bsky.app/9pFtGbx
Created a Tax Starter Pack for other tax folks coming here -- policy wonks, reporters, etc. -- but let me know if I missed you!
go.bsky.app/9pFtGbx
November 24, 2024 at 11:57 PM
👋 Bluesky! Want to post a bit here as the 2025 tax debate gets underway in Washington.
Created a Tax Starter Pack for other tax folks coming here -- policy wonks, reporters, etc. -- but let me know if I missed you!
go.bsky.app/9pFtGbx
Created a Tax Starter Pack for other tax folks coming here -- policy wonks, reporters, etc. -- but let me know if I missed you!
go.bsky.app/9pFtGbx