Report rewards Nebraska’s peers moving to flat income taxes
Report rewards Nebraska’s peers moving to flat income taxes
Nebraska ranks 36th in economic outlook according to the 2022 Rich States, Poor States report. The annual report ranks states for economic competitiveness using a comprehensive analysis of economic policy factors. While public policies aren’t the only factor for economic growth, they are some of the most controllable factors for states. Nebraska’s current ranking is lackluster,...
By Michael Lucci
Strong revenues give Nebraska fuel for more tax reform
Strong revenues give Nebraska fuel for more tax reform
A gusher of tax revenues poured into Nebraska state coffers in April, creating an unexpected revenue bump for the month when most Nebraskans file their annual tax returns. Revenues were strong across the board, with a surge in personal and corporate income taxes more than covering a slight underperformance in sales tax revenues. Nebraska’s surprisingly...
By Michael Lucci
Nebraska’s 2022 tax cuts: What’s good & what’s not
Nebraska’s 2022 tax cuts: What’s good & what’s not
Nebraska entered the 2022 legislative session with its tax code ranked 35th in structural competitiveness, according to Tax Foundation’s 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index. The state will likely improve its position over the coming years as a result of tax changes made in LB873. However, projections show the state may only edge closer to...
By Michael Lucci
Get the facts about Nebraska’s high tax burden
Get the facts about Nebraska’s high tax burden
Two factors determine a state’s overall tax competitiveness. The first factor is the total tax burden, measured as a portion of state income. The second factor is the structure of the state’s tax code – the manner in which those revenues are collected. The goal for tax competitiveness in Nebraska, then, is to maintain a...
By Michael Lucci
Michael Lucci on Making Nebraska Taxes More Competitive
Michael Lucci on Making Nebraska Taxes More Competitive
Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci tells Jim Vokal an increasingly mobile workforce is prompting more states to take bold action on tax reform. A transcript of this episode is available below. If you’d like to watch this episode on YouTube, press play below. Or you can listen to the podcast on Spotify or...
Nebraskanomics: Iowa’s Incredible Tax Reform Turnaround
Nebraskanomics: Iowa’s Incredible Tax Reform Turnaround
Chris Ingstad of Iowans for Tax Relief joins Jim Vokal to update Nebraskans about major movements on tax policy in the Hawkeye State. A transcript of this episode is available below. If you’d like to watch this episode on YouTube, press play below. Or you can listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts....
Lower taxes spur new Nebraska-Iowa rivalry
Lower taxes spur new Nebraska-Iowa rivalry
The Nebraska-Iowa rivalry runs deep. Given the proximity of Nebraska’s largest cities, Iowa is usually considered our most comparable neighbor. And our states do have a lot in common. Nebraskans and Iowans often share family roots or even work across state lines. Some of our similarities are changing, though. Since the last time Nebraska beat...
By Jim Vokal
Nebraska Forecasting Board Raises 2022 and 2023 Tax Revenue Projections Again
Nebraska Forecasting Board Raises 2022 and 2023 Tax Revenue Projections Again
The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board met this week to forecast revenue figures that the Legislature will use as it takes up debate on the state’s mid-biennium budget in March. Revenue projections for the current fiscal year and FY2022-23 were raised based on anticipated increases across all tax receipt categories, including a projected $160 million...
By Nicole Fox
4 Smart Ways Blueprint Nebraska Fixes Our Tax System
4 Smart Ways Blueprint Nebraska Fixes Our Tax System
Nebraska’s tax system funds critical government services. Though few people enjoy paying taxes, it’s worth tolerating a certain level of grumbling—and a certain level of sacrifice—to meet our commitments to the common good. But for a long time, many different groups of Nebraskans have been trying to tell their leaders they’re not happy with the...
By Jim Vokal
Voters support Blueprint Nebraska by 4 to 1 margin
Voters support Blueprint Nebraska by 4 to 1 margin
In a December 2021 poll, Nebraskans said there’s a relationship between the state’s high taxes and its economic challenges with growing the workforce and population. These voters agreed that eliminating state income taxes on the first $50,000 individuals earn would help us complete for workers. These are the same 812 voters who previously told us...
By Jim Vokal
Nebraska’s January tax receipts see 10% boost over projections
Nebraska’s January tax receipts see 10% boost over projections
This week, the Nebraska Department of Revenue released its monthly revenue receipts report for January 2022. Although sales and use tax revenues were 16.1% below forecast, net revenues for January 2022 were $495 million, or 10% above the certified forecast of $450 million. The breakdown of January 2022 net revenue receipts are as follows: Net Sales...
By Nicole Fox
Jim Vokal’s Weekly Email: Inheritance Tax Update
Jim Vokal’s Weekly Email: Inheritance Tax Update
Dear Friend, Last week, senators gave final approval to Sen. Rob Clements’ LB310, which cuts Nebraska’s county-levied inheritance tax. Here are the provisions that would take effect in 2023: Reduces the top inheritance tax rate from 18% to 15%. Reduces the middle rate from 13% to 11%. The exemption amount for the 15% rate will...
By Jim Vokal
Unicameral approves inheritance tax cut
Unicameral approves inheritance tax cut
The Nebraska Legislature has given final approval to Sen. Robert Clements’ Legislative Bill 310, which reduces Nebraska’s county-levied inheritance tax. The bill passed by a vote of 37-1. It now awaits the governor’s signature. With an amendment provided by the Legislature’s Revenue Committee and provisions from another inheritance tax-related bill by state Sen. Wendy DeBoer,...
By Jim Vokal