The Tax Policy Podcast with Fexingo: Income Tax, Corporate Tax, and Fiscal Conversations

The Tax Policy Podcast with Fexingo: Income Tax, Corporate Tax, and Fiscal Conversations podcast cover
Fexingo Economics

The Tax Policy Podcast with Fexingo: Income Tax, Corporate Tax, and Fiscal Conversations

Lucas and Luna sit down with the thick blue volume of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code between them, tracing the threads that connect personal income tax brackets to corporate tax inversions. Each episode examines one specific fiscal lever — the corporate rate, the carried interest loophole, the earned income tax credit — and traces its real-world effects on capital allocation, wage growth, and federal revenue. They avoid partisan shouting matches; instead, they walk through the arithmetic of a tax expenditure, compare it to direct spending, and ask how the burden actually falls. Lucas holds a fountain pen, drawing marginal-rate curves on scrap paper. Luna pushes back with case studies: how Ireland's 12.5% rate reshaped global pharmaceutical supply chains, or how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed buyback behavior. This show is for anyone who reads the Joint Committee on Taxation reports and wants to understand not just what the law says but what it does. No lobbyists, no spin — just two people trying to follow the money through the tax code. What happens when you treat a tax deduction not as a reward but as a subsidy, and what would it cost to replace it with something else?

#TaxPolicy#IncomeTax#CorporateTax#FiscalPolicy#IRC#TaxReform#CarriedInterest#EarnedIncomeTaxCredit#TaxCutsAndJobsAct#InternationalTax#TaxExpenditures#MarginalRates#Economics#PublicFinance#Business#FexingoBusiness#BusinessPodcast#Podcast

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Episodes

Latest 50 of 158 episodes

How the IRS Taxes Your Brokerage Account Dividends in 2026

Aug 15, 2026 · 9:52

When you invest in a taxable brokerage account, dividends aren't just free money — they're a tax event waiting to happen. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how the IRS treats dividend income in 2026, from qualified versus ordinary dividends to the surprising impact of the 3.8 percent net investment income tax. They use a concrete example: a $10,000 investment in a dividend-paying ETF, and walk through how the tax bill changes depending on your bracket. They also cover the 2026…

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The Carbon Tax That Could Reshape American Industry

Aug 14, 2026 · 10:34

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a proposal that has quietly gained traction in Washington: a carbon tax designed to replace parts of the current corporate tax code. They break down the mechanics of a revenue-neutral carbon tax, the political coalition behind it, and the economic modeling that suggests it could cut emissions by 20 percent while boosting GDP growth by 0.3 percent annually. They also examine the winners and losers — from coal-dependent states to clean-tech manufacturers…

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How the Tax Code Taxes Your Side Hustle in 2026

Aug 13, 2026 · 7:50

Lucas and Luna dive into the tax implications of side hustles in 2026, focusing on the gig economy and how the IRS treats income from platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Etsy. They break down the new 1099-K reporting threshold, what counts as taxable income, and the often-overlooked deductions that can offset that income. Using real examples, they explain how to navigate estimated tax payments, the home office deduction, and how to distinguish between a hobby and a business. Whether you're a…

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How the Gig Economy Tax Deduction Works in 2026

Aug 12, 2026 · 11:48

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into the qualified business income deduction for gig workers — the 199A deduction that lets freelancers and independent contractors shave 20 percent off their business income. They walk through who qualifies, how the phase-out works for high earners, and why the deduction is more valuable for a delivery driver than a consultant making $300,000. They also unpack a recent court case that clarified what counts as a 'qualified trade or…

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How the Wealth Tax Could Change Everything in 2026

Aug 11, 2026 · 7:58

In this episode, we dive into the growing debate over a federal wealth tax, a proposal that's gaining traction among policymakers in 2026. We focus on the specific mechanics: a proposed annual tax of 2 percent on net worth above $50 million, with an additional 1 percent on billionaires. We explore how such a tax would be assessed, the valuation challenges it creates, and the behavioral responses it might trigger. Lucas explains why some economists argue it could raise over $3 trillion over a…

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The Estate Tax Loopholes Hiding in Family Businesses

Aug 10, 2026 · 11:01

Estate taxes hit a fraction of American families, but the wealthiest use valuation discounts, GRATs, and family limited partnerships to shrink their taxable estates by hundreds of millions. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack how the IRS defines 'fair market value' and why a dollar of business interest is suddenly worth fifty cents when it changes hands. They walk through the classic Christensen case, where a family moved $100 million in timberland out of the estate for pennies on the…

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How the IRS Taxes Your Unemployment Benefits in 2026

Aug 9, 2026 · 7:06

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the tax implications of unemployment benefits in 2026. With many workers facing job displacement due to AI-driven automation, understanding how unemployment compensation is taxed is crucial. Lucas explains that unemployment benefits are taxable as ordinary income, and while federal taxes are not automatically withheld, recipients can choose to have 10% withheld to avoid a year-end surprise. The hosts also discuss the impact of…

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How the Tax Code Taxes Your Home Sale in 2026

Aug 8, 2026 · 7:51

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the $250,000 capital gains exclusion on home sales. They unpack how the exclusion works, who qualifies, and the 2026 twist: the recent surge in home prices means more sellers are hitting the exclusion cap. They walk through a concrete example of a Bay Area couple selling their home and facing a tax bill, and they discuss the debate over whether the exclusion should be reformed. Tune in to understand the tax rules that could…

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How Public Pensions Dodge Taxes With Pension Obligation Bonds

Aug 7, 2026 · 8:02

Episode 150 of The Tax Policy Podcast looks at pension obligation bonds, the controversial borrowing tool state and local governments use to fund public pensions. Lucas explains how these bonds exploit the tax code's tax-exempt status for municipal debt, letting governments arbitrage taxable returns against tax-free borrowing costs. Luna questions whether the risk is actually worth it, and they dig into specific cases like Illinois and Kentucky to show how the strategy can backfire. By the end…

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How the Tax Code Taxes Your Inheritance in 2026

Aug 6, 2026 · 8:56

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna unpack the state of inheritance taxes in August 2026. With the federal estate tax exemption set to expire at the end of next year, they explain what that means for wealthy families and the broader economy. They walk through the current $13.61 million exemption, the 40 percent top rate, and the looming sunset that could cut the exemption roughly in half. They also explore the rarely discussed 'step-up in basis' rule, which lets heirs…

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How Tax Brackets Are Failing in 2026

Aug 5, 2026 · 8:12

The federal income tax brackets are supposed to adjust for inflation, but in 2026 they barely moved. Lucas and Luna dig into the mechanics of chained CPI, why the 2026 inflation adjustment was so small, and what it means for your paycheck. They walk through a concrete example: a single filer earning $75,000 who finds their raise eaten by a silent bracket creep. The episode explains how the IRS calculates the adjustments, why the 2025 inflation data was unusually low, and what happens if…

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How the IRS Taxes Your Gig Work in 2026

Aug 4, 2026 · 8:51

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into the tax treatment of gig work in 2026. From the rise of side hustles to the IRS's new reporting thresholds, they break down what changed this year and what it means for the growing number of Americans earning money outside traditional W-2 jobs. They discuss the 1099-K reporting rules, the Section 199A deduction for gig workers, and the distinction between hobby and business. With concrete examples and a focus on practical…

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How the Tax Code Taxes Your Refund in 2026

Aug 3, 2026 · 9:35

Ever wonder if the IRS taxes your refund? This week, Lucas and Luna unpack the surprising rule at the heart of it: the tax benefit rule. Using a concrete example from a listener's overpayment on state taxes in 2025, they explain how a refund can become taxable income if you itemized and claimed the deduction. They walk through the standard deduction math, the 2026 inflation-adjusted numbers, and why timing matters when your state sends the check. Plus, they offer a practical tip for handling…

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How Inflation Adjustments Reshape Your Tax Bill in 2026

Aug 2, 2026 · 13:37

Inflation has quietly become a tax policy lever. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack how the IRS's annual inflation adjustments—the ones that nudge tax brackets, the standard deduction, and contribution limits—are actually reshaping what millions of households owe in 2026. They walk through a concrete example: a single filer earning $70,000, and how that taxpayer's effective rate shifts as brackets move. They also explore the political economy behind these tweaks, why the adjustments feel…

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How the Tax Code Taxes Unemployment Benefits in 2026

Aug 1, 2026 · 8:03

When you lose a job, the last thing on your mind is taxes. But unemployment benefits are taxable income, and the way the IRS treats them creates a nasty surprise for millions of workers every spring. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the specific rules: how benefits are reported, the optional 10 percent withholding that most people skip, and why the federal government taxes jobless aid while some states don't. They walk through a real-world example: a worker in Ohio who collected…

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How the IRS Taxes Crypto Staking Rewards in 2026

Jul 30, 2026 · 7:54

The IRS has finally issued clear rules on staking rewards: they are taxable as ordinary income at fair market value the moment you receive them. Lucas and Luna break down the new regulations, what they mean for Ethereum stakers, and how to track cost basis when you sell. Plus, a look at how a recent Tax Court case shaped the outcome. If you've staked crypto this year, this episode will help you file correctly in April. #CryptocurrencyTax #StakingRewards #IRS #Ethereum #TaxPolicy #Economics…

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How the IRS Uses AI to Audit Tax Returns in 2026

Jul 30, 2026 · 7:55

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the IRS has deployed artificial intelligence to flag high-risk tax returns, with audit rates for partnerships up 40% in 2026. They zero in on the case of a small-business owner flagged by the 'algorithmic audit' system—a story that reveals both the efficiency gains and the procedural pitfalls of machine-driven enforcement. Topics include the training data behind the models, the rise in false positives, and the ongoing debate over taxpayer rights in an…

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How the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax Reshapes Tax Planning

Jul 29, 2026 · 6:42

The corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) took effect in 2023 for large corporations with over $1 billion in adjusted financial statement income. Now that we're in mid-2026, early compliance data is revealing how companies like Amazon and Berkshire Hathaway are adjusting their tax planning. Lucas and Luna break down how the CAMT works, why it targets book income rather than taxable income, and what the Congressional Budget Office's $222 billion revenue estimate means for corporate strategy.…

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How the SALT Cap Workaround Actually Works in 2026

Jul 29, 2026 · 9:04

The $10,000 SALT deduction cap has been a sticking point for taxpayers in high-tax states since 2018. But many states fought back with a clever workaround: the passthrough entity tax, or PTET. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down exactly how PTET works, who it helps, and whether it will survive legal and political challenges. Using a concrete example of a New Jersey couple losing $25,000 in deductions, they walk through the mechanics of shifting state tax payments from the individual to…

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How the Net Investment Income Tax Raises Taxes on Passive Gains

Jul 28, 2026 · 6:50

In 2026, the 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax still catches many high-earners by surprise. Lucas and Luna break down what counts as investment income, how it interacts with active business income, and the surprising twist for rental real estate professionals. They use a concrete example: a married couple earning $300,000 with $50,000 in capital gains. Learn the thresholds, the 'modified adjusted gross income' trap, and why selling your primary residence might trigger this tax. If you're…

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How 529 Plans Make College Savings Tax-Free

Jul 28, 2026 · 7:49

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down how 529 college savings plans turn education expenses into one of the most tax-efficient investments available. They start with a concrete example: a family contributing $10,000 a year for 18 years could save roughly $6,000 in taxes versus a taxable brokerage account. The hosts then walk through the mechanics: earnings grow tax-free, withdrawals for qualified expenses like tuition and room and board are tax-free, and up to…

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How Roth IRA Conversions Lock In Your Tax Rate in 2026

Jul 27, 2026 · 4:59

With tax brackets scheduled to revert to 2017 levels at the end of 2025, 2026 is a critical year for Roth IRA conversions. Lucas and Luna break down the strategy using a concrete example—a 45-year-old software engineer with a $400,000 traditional IRA. They explain the tax arbitrage opportunity, the five-year rule, the impact of the SECURE Act 2.0 on inherited IRAs, and how to avoid triggering the Net Investment Income Tax. Perfect for anyone with a pretax retirement account wondering whether to…

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How the One Percent Stock Buyback Tax Reshaped Corporate Payouts

Jul 27, 2026 · 8:00

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the 1% excise tax on corporate stock buybacks, enacted in 2022 and now a fixture of the tax code by 2026. They discuss how this tax has shifted corporate payout strategies—with some firms moving to dividends, others adjusting share repurchase timing—and whether it truly curbs short-termism or just creates new loopholes. Drawing on data from the first few years of the tax, they examine the trade-offs for shareholders, executives…

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How Solar Tax Credits Are Shaping the Energy Grid in 2026

Jul 26, 2026 · 7:52

In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the Investment Tax Credit for solar energy—a 30 percent write-off that has transformed the rooftop and utility-scale solar industries. As of July 2026, the residential clean energy credit remains a major incentive for homeowners, while the commercial credit is set to begin phasing down after 2032. The hosts unpack the mechanics of the credit, the new transferability rules that allow tax-exempt entities like schools and nonprofits to benefit directly…

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How Stock Options Are Taxed in 2026

Jul 26, 2026 · 6:28

Stock options are a common form of compensation, but their tax treatment is anything but simple. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the difference between incentive stock options (ISOs) and non-qualified stock options (NSOs), focusing on the alternative minimum tax (AMT) trap that can catch employees off guard. Using a concrete example of an employee exercising ISOs at a steep discount, they explain how the bargain element triggers AMT, potentially creating a six-figure tax bill even…

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How Your Student Loan Forgiveness Could Trigger a Tax Bill in 2026

Jul 25, 2026 · 8:15

In 2026, the temporary tax-free treatment for student loan forgiveness under the American Rescue Plan has expired. That means tens of thousands of borrowers receiving forgiveness this year through programs like borrower defense or income-driven repayment could face a federal income tax bill. Lucas and Luna walk through the general rule—cancellation of debt is ordinary income—and the key exceptions like insolvency, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and certain IDR plans after 20-25 years. They…

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How the Child Tax Credit Shapes Family Budgets in 2026

Jul 24, 2026 · 9:31

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down how the child tax credit actually affects family budgets in 2026. They walk through the mechanics of the credit, the recent changes to its refundability, and the impact on low-income and middle-class households. They explore why the credit phases out at higher income levels and how it has reshaped labor force participation and poverty rates. Using data from the IRS and the Census Bureau, they discuss the political debate…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Side Hustle Loss Rules in 2026

Jul 23, 2026 · 9:50

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna dive into the surprising rule change affecting side-hustle losses in 2026. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, excess business losses were limited for non-corporate taxpayers, and in 2026 those limits became permanent. The hosts explore what this means for the millions of Americans running a side business or freelance gig at a loss—often to offset W-2 income. Lucas explains the specific dollar thresholds: single filers can only deduct up to…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Capital Gains Harvesting Strategy

Jul 23, 2026 · 10:59

Lucas and Luna explore a tax strategy that most investors overlook: capital gains harvesting. They break down how the 0% long-term capital gains bracket works, using a concrete example of a married couple earning $80,000 in 2026, and explain how investors can sell appreciated assets, pay zero tax, and reset their cost basis. The episode covers the key numbers, the income thresholds, the net investment income tax trap, and why this strategy matters more when the market is flat or down. They also…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your S Corporation Election in 2026

Jul 23, 2026 · 10:57

In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine how the tax code shapes S corporation elections, focusing on the 2026 landscape. They explore the pros and cons of S corp status for small business owners, including self-employment tax savings, reasonable compensation requirements, and the impact of the 2025 tax reform provisions that sunset in 2026. Lucas walks through a concrete example of a marketing consultant saving $8,000 annually by electing S corp treatment, while Luna raises questions about IRS…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Home Office Deduction in 2026

Jul 22, 2026 · 10:09

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna dive into the home office deduction — one of the most misunderstood and underclaimed tax breaks for the self-employed. They break down the two calculation methods (simplified versus regular), explain the exclusive-use rule that trips up most filers, and walk through a real-world example from a freelance graphic designer whose deduction saved her $1,400 in 2025. The conversation also covers the 2026 inflation-adjusted limits, the impact…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Inheritance of a Family Business

Jul 22, 2026 · 9:16

When you inherit a family business, the tax code can be your best friend or your worst enemy. This episode drills into the specific mechanics of the Section 6166 installment payment election for estate tax on closely held businesses, using the example of a $15 million manufacturing company in Ohio. Lucas and Luna walk through how the election works, the interest rate structure (2 percent on the first $1.8 million — linked to the $26 million estate tax exemption in 2026), and the five-year…

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How Tax Expenditures Are the Hidden Federal Budget

Jul 21, 2026 · 11:25

Every year, the U.S. government foregoes over $1.5 trillion in revenue through tax expenditures — deductions, credits, and exclusions that function like spending programs but rarely get scrutinized like direct outlays. Lucas and Luna explain what tax expenditures are, how they distort fiscal policy, and why the mortgage interest deduction alone costs more than the entire Department of Housing and Urban Development. They discuss proposals to cap or convert them into direct spending, and what…

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How Tax Rules Shape Your Side Business Hobby

Jul 21, 2026 · 9:35

Lucas and Luna dig into the IRS's 'hobby loss' rule, which can turn a money-losing side business into a personal expense nightmare. They walk through the nine-factor test the IRS uses to decide if your Etsy shop or dog-walking gig is a real business or just a fun hobby. They focus on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act change that eliminated a key safe harbor and look at a real 2025 Tax Court case involving a vintage toy seller in Portland who lost $28,000 in deductions. Lucas explains why the IRS…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Charitable Giving in 2026

Jul 20, 2026 · 9:57

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore how the 2026 tax landscape affects charitable giving strategies. They focus on the impact of the standard deduction increase and the resulting decline in itemization, using data from the Tax Policy Center showing that only 11 percent of households now itemize. The hosts discuss the shift toward Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) as a workaround, noting that DAF contributions reached $85 billion in 2025, up 18 percent year-over-year. They…

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How Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles Changed the Auto Industry

Jul 20, 2026 · 10:22

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna dive into the specific impact of federal tax credits for electric vehicles on the auto industry. They focus on the shift from per-manufacturer caps to income and price restrictions under the Inflation Reduction Act, using Tesla and General Motors as examples. The discussion covers how the credit structure influenced production decisions, supply chain localization, and consumer behavior. Lucas explains the 'final assembly' requirement and…

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How Accelerated Depreciation Boosts Business Cash Flow

Jul 19, 2026 · 8:21

In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the mechanics of accelerated depreciation under the 2026 tax code. Using the example of a mid-sized manufacturing company investing $2 million in new equipment, they show how bonus depreciation and Section 179 deductions can slash taxable income in the first year from $500,000 to zero, freeing up $175,000 in cash. They compare this to straight-line depreciation over seven years, which would only save $71,000 annually. The hosts also discuss how the…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Child Care Costs in 2026

Jul 19, 2026 · 9:34

Lucas and Luna break down the tax-side economics of child care in 2026: how the Child and Dependent Care Credit now covers up to $4,000 per child, the shift from nonrefundable to fully refundable under the 2025 TCJA extension, and why the phaseout threshold at $150,000 in adjusted gross income leaves many middle-income families with only a partial benefit. The hosts walk through a real scenario for a two-earner household in Austin, Texas, comparing the credit against a Dependent Care FSA, and…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Retirement Savings in 2026

Jul 18, 2026 · 9:16

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna drill into the specific mechanics of how tax-advantaged retirement accounts work in 2026. They focus on a single concrete example: a 30-year-old earning $75,000 annually who chooses between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, and what that decision means for her lifetime tax bill. The hosts explain the key difference between the two accounts — whether you pay tax now or later — and walk through the math of how contribution limits, income…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Decision to Move to a New State

Jul 18, 2026 · 9:33

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore one of the most consequential financial decisions you can make: moving to a different state. Using the recent wave of migration from California to Texas as a concrete example, they break down how state income tax, property tax, sales tax, and estate tax interact to create dramatically different tax burdens. Lucas explains the concept of 'tax portability' versus 'tax lock-in' and cites IRS migration data showing that in a single…

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How Tax Treaties Affect Your Cross-Border Stock Dividends

Jul 17, 2026 · 9:27

Episode 118 of The Tax Policy Podcast dives into the little-known world of cross-border dividend taxation. Lucas walks Luna through a real scenario: a US resident holding shares in a German company, and how a tax treaty can slash the withholding tax from 26.375% down to 15%. They explain the mechanics of the foreign tax credit, why the treaty rate isn't automatic (you need Form W-8BEN), and how this affects portfolio returns for international investors. The episode also touches on pending…

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Why Your Tax Refund Feels Like Found Money

Jul 17, 2026 · 8:27

Every spring, millions of Americans celebrate their tax refund as if it's unexpected bonus cash — a new TV, a vacation, a splurge dinner. But that refund is actually the government returning your own overpaid money, interest-free. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the psychology and economics of the tax refund: why the average refund hovers around $3,000, why that's roughly $250 a month in forgone savings or debt payment, and why Treasury data shows that nearly three-quarters of filers…

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How Presumptive Taxation Simplifies Taxes for Small Businesses

Jul 16, 2026 · 8:19

In many countries, small businesses and informal traders are nearly impossible to tax through standard income tax systems. The administrative burden is too high, compliance is low, and governments miss billions in revenue. Enter presumptive taxation: a simplified system that estimates tax liability based on observable indicators like turnover, square footage, or number of employees. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how presumptive tax regimes work, using real examples from India's…

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How Tax Brackets Index to Inflation and Why It Matters

Jul 16, 2026 · 9:29

Lucas and Luna break down how inflation indexing works in the U.S. tax code, focusing on the annual adjustments to tax brackets, standard deductions, and contribution limits for 2026. They explain why bracket creep mattered before 1981, how the Tax Reform Act of 1986 locked in indexing, and what today's 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment means for a typical middle-class filer. The hosts use concrete numbers—like the 2026 standard deduction of $15,200 for single filers and the 22% bracket's new top…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Estate Planning in 2026

Jul 15, 2026 · 7:37

In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how the U.S. estate tax exemption is set to drop from about $13.6 million per individual to roughly $7 million in 2026, unless Congress acts. They explain the history of the exemption, how portability works, and why even moderately wealthy families need to plan now. Using the example of a family farm worth $10 million and a tech executive with a $15 million portfolio, they show how the tax bill could climb into the millions. They also cover the role of…

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How Tax Reforms Reshaped Manufacturing in 2026

Jul 15, 2026 · 10:55

In this episode of The Tax Policy Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore how the new tax reforms enacted in early 2026 are reshaping U.S. manufacturing. They focus on the revised Section 199A deduction, which now provides a 20% deduction on qualified manufacturing income, and how companies like Ford and a mid-tier supplier in Ohio are responding. The hosts discuss the impact on supply chain decisions, capital investment, and job creation, using specific data from the first half of 2026. They also…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your State Income Tax Strategy in 2026

Jul 14, 2026 · 9:01

In 2026, nine states still have no income tax, while others like California and New York top out above 13 percent. But the real action isn't just the rate — it's how state tax codes interact with federal deductions, residency rules, and the SALT cap. Lucas and Luna walk through why a remote worker living in Texas but earning from a New York-based company might owe taxes to both states, and how the 2018 SALT cap reshaped the calculus for high-earners considering a move. They dig into the…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Gig Economy Income in 2026

Jul 14, 2026 · 11:30

This episode of The Tax Policy Podcast dives into how the tax code treats gig economy workers in 2026. Lucas and Luna break down the difference between employee and independent contractor classification, the 1099-NEC vs. W-2 debate, and the specific deductions gig workers can claim, like the home office deduction and vehicle expenses under the standard mileage rate. They discuss the new IRS pilot program for real-time income reporting from platforms like Uber and DoorDash, and how proposed…

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How the Alternative Minimum Tax Traps Middle-Class Families

Jul 13, 2026 · 9:53

Episode 110 of The Tax Policy Podcast dives into the Alternative Minimum Tax — a parallel tax system originally designed to catch wealthy tax avoiders. Lucas and Luna explain how the AMT now ensnares middle-class families, especially those with high state taxes, large families, or incentive stock options. Using the 2026 thresholds and the story of a typical California family earning $250,000, they reveal why 1.2 million households will pay an extra $8,000 on average this year. They also discuss…

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How the Tax Code Shapes Your Investment Portfolio in 2026

Jul 13, 2026 · 9:46

Lucas and Luna unpack how capital gains tax rates, the wash-sale rule, and the net investment income tax quietly reshape how ordinary investors allocate assets in 2026. Using the example of a mid-career professional with a $200,000 taxable portfolio, they walk through how holding periods, tax-loss harvesting, and municipal bonds interact with current brackets. They also discuss the tax implications of ETFs versus mutual funds, and why the 3.8 percent surtax on investment income above $200,000…

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