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Our polling tracks the public’s views about our fiscal and economic condition and the progress elected leaders are making in addressing it.
Popular Articles
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
Chart Pack: The U.S. Budget
A selection of key charts that give an overview of the major components in the U.S. federal budget.
How Does the Capital Gains Tax Work Now, and What Are Some Proposed Reforms?
While the capital gains tax affects anyone selling a capital asset, higher-income individuals are typically subject to the tax more so than average Americans.
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Jan 14, 2026
What Are Estate and Gift Taxes and How Do They Work?
Estate and gift taxes produce relatively lower revenue compared to other sources, but they generate a significant amount of attention, and even controversy.
Jan 14, 2026
Budget Basics: How Does Social Security Work?
Social Security is the largest single program in the federal budget and typically makes up one-fifth of total federal spending.
Jan 14, 2026
10 of the Largest Tax Breaks Explained
Tax breaks totaled over $2.0 trillion in 2025. That’s more than the government spends on Social Security, defense, or Medicare and Medicaid.
Jan 14, 2026
8 Key Charts on Tax Breaks
The cost of tax breaks was greater than the size of the deficit in 2025.
Dec 23, 2025
Budget Basics: What Is the Child Tax Credit?
The CTC provides assistance to families with children, and while it represents a relatively modest part of overall government spending, it is one of the largest tax expenditures.
Dec 22, 2025
Budget Basics: Tax Expenditures
Tax expenditures can come in the form of exclusions, exemptions, deductions, and credits.
Dec 19, 2025
What Are the Economic Costs of Child Poverty?
Child poverty is higher in the United States than in other wealthy countries. Studies show that it has quantifiable economic costs.