How the U.S. Tax Code Favors White Families

Core Concepts

The author argues that the U.S. tax code systematically benefits white families over Black families, perpetuating racial inequality through policies like the joint return.

Abstract

The U.S. tax code has historically privileged white families over Black families, creating disparities in taxation that persist to this day. The joint return policy, initially designed to benefit married couples with a single wage-earner, disproportionately favored white couples and disadvantaged Black couples. Over time, changes in tax laws have further exacerbated these inequalities, leading to marriage penalties for many Black households despite similar income levels compared to their white counterparts.

The historical context of how the tax system evolved reveals deep-rooted racial biases that continue to impact Black Americans' financial well-being. The author advocates for a return to individual tax returns as a solution to address these systemic inequities and promote racial justice in taxation.

Stats

"25 years of academic research have revealed that changes to the U.S. tax code typically benefit white taxpayers while putting Black taxpayers at a further disadvantage."
"In 1948, Congress enacted the joint return policy allowing married couples with a single wage-earner husband and stay-at-home wife to pay less in taxes."
"Based on 2010 Census Bureau data, a greater percentage of married white couples earning $50,000 to $200,000 are paying higher taxes than getting a tax break."
"For 2016, while 51 percent of married couples would get a marriage bonus, 40 percent would pay a penalty."

Quotes

"The U.S. tax code can seem like a neutral system but has privileged white people—particularly white married couples—and preserved racial inequality."
"Justice requires the married Henrys of the world to pay the same as the single Henrys."
"Racial justice requires that married couples like my parents don’t face a marriage penalty and don't get left behind when tax cuts come."

Key Insights Distilled From

How the U.S. Tax Code Privileges White Families

by Dorothy A. B... at www.theatlantic.com 03-23-2021

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/us-tax-code-race-marriage-penalty/618339/

Deeper Inquiries

What role does historical context play in shaping current taxation policies

Historical context plays a significant role in shaping current taxation policies by providing insights into the origins and evolution of tax laws. Understanding the historical background helps policymakers identify systemic biases, privileges, and inequalities embedded in the tax code. For example, examining how policies like the joint return were initially designed to benefit specific demographic groups sheds light on why certain racial disparities persist today. By recognizing past injustices and discriminatory practices, policymakers can work towards creating more equitable tax systems that address historical inequities.

How can policymakers address systemic racial biases embedded in the U.S. tax code

Policymakers can address systemic racial biases embedded in the U.S. tax code by implementing reforms that promote fairness and equality across different demographic groups. One approach is to eliminate provisions that disproportionately benefit white taxpayers while disadvantaging Black taxpayers, such as revisiting marriage-related tax breaks or penalties. Additionally, policymakers can consider adopting individual-focused taxation systems similar to those used in countries like Canada to ensure that marital status does not impact one's tax liability unfairly based on race or ethnicity. By actively working to dismantle discriminatory practices within the tax code and promoting inclusivity, policymakers can take steps towards rectifying long-standing racial inequalities.

How might individual-focused taxation systems impact wealth distribution across different demographic groups

Individual-focused taxation systems have the potential to positively impact wealth distribution across different demographic groups by reducing disparities caused by systemic biases present in joint filing arrangements. By allowing individuals to file taxes independently regardless of marital status, these systems prevent situations where certain couples receive unwarranted benefits while others face penalties due to their income levels or family structures. This approach promotes greater financial equity among diverse populations and ensures that wealth accumulation is not hindered by discriminatory practices within the tax system. Ultimately, individual-focused taxation systems offer a more fair and transparent way of distributing economic resources without perpetuating racial or gender-based inequalities prevalent in traditional joint filing methods.