How Much Does the US Fiscal System Redistribute?

Tom Coleman and David Weisbach

National Tax Journal, 2025, vol. 78, issue 4, 889 - 917

Abstract: There is a widespread view that the tax and transfer system has become less redistributive. To assess this view, we compare data from three studies: Congressional Budget Office; Piketty, Saez, and Zucman; and Auten and Splinter. Although they use different definitions of income, units, and taxes and transfers, all three show that the tax and transfer system has become more redistributive, not less. We also review all studies of the issue since 2012, which confirms these findings. In short, there is robust evidence across definitions and methodologies that the tax and transfer system has become more redistributive.

Date: 2025
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