About the book
Why tax law is not just a pocketbook issue but a reflection of what and whom we, as a society, value.
Most of us think of tax as a pocketbook issue: how much we owe, how much we'll get back, how much we can deduct. In Our Selfish Tax Laws, Anthony Infanti takes a broader view, considering not just how taxes affect us individually but how the tax system reflects our culture and society. He finds that American tax laws validate and benefit those who already possess power and privilege while starkly reflecting the lines of difference and discrimination in American society based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, immigration status, and disability. Infanti argues that instead of focusing our tax reform discussions on which loopholes to close or which deductions to allow, we should consider how to make our tax system reflect American ideals of inclusivity rather than institutionalizing exclusion.
After describing the theoretical and intellectual underpinnings of his argument, Infanti offers two comparative case studies, examining the treatment of housing tax expenditures and the unit of taxation in the United States, Canada, France, and Spain to show how tax law reflects its social and cultural context. Then, drawing on his own work and that of other critical tax scholars, Infanti explains how the discourse surrounding tax reform masks the many ways that the American tax system rewards and reifies privilege. To counter this, Infanti urges us to work together to create a society with a tax system that respects and values all Americans.
Editions of Our Selfish Tax Laws
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262038249
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262347525
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262347532
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262347549
Read an Excerpt
Why tax law is not just a pocketbook issue but a reflection of what and whom we, as a society, value.
Most of us think of tax as a pocketbook issue: how much we owe, how much we'll get back, how much we can deduct. In Our Selfish Tax Laws, Anthony Infanti takes a broader view, considering not just how taxes affect us individually but how the tax system reflects our culture and society. He finds that American tax laws validate and benefit those who already possess power and privilege while starkly reflecting the lines of difference and discrimination in American society based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, immigration status, and disability. Infanti argues that instead of focusing our tax reform discussions on which loopholes to close or which deductions to allow, we should consider how to make our tax system reflect American ideals of inclusivity rather than institutionalizing exclusion.
After describing the theoretical and intellectual underpinnings of his argument, Infanti offers two comparative case studies, examining the treatment of housing tax expenditures and the unit of taxation in the United States, Canada, France, and Spain to show how tax law reflects its social and cultural context. Then, drawing on his own work and that of other critical tax scholars, Infanti explains how the discourse surrounding tax reform masks the many ways that the American tax system rewards and reifies privilege. To counter this, Infanti urges us to work together to create a society with a tax system that respects and values all Americans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Our Selfish Tax Laws about?
Why tax law is not just a pocketbook issue but a reflection of what and whom we, as a society, value.
Most of us think of tax as a pocketbook issue: how much we owe, how much we'll get back, how much we can deduct. In Our Selfish Tax Laws, Anthony Infanti takes a broader view, considering not just how taxes affect us individually but how the tax system reflects our culture and society. He finds that American tax laws validate and benefit those who already possess power and privilege while starkly reflecting the lines of difference and discrimination in American society based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, immigration status, and disability. Infanti argues that instead of focusing our tax reform discussions on which loopholes to close or which deductions to allow, we should consider how to make our tax system reflect American ideals of inclusivity rather than institutionalizing exclusion.
After describing the theoretical and intellectual underpinnings of his argument, Infanti offers two comparative case studies, examining the treatment of housing tax expenditures and the unit of taxation in the United States, Canada, France, and Spain to show how tax law reflects its social and cultural context. Then, drawing on his own work and that of other critical tax scholars, Infanti explains how the discourse surrounding tax reform masks the many ways that the American tax system rewards and reifies privilege. To counter this, Infanti urges us to work together to create a society with a tax system that respects and values all Americans.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Our Selfish Tax Laws?
Economics, Finance, Business and Management > Finance and accounting > Accounting > Tax planning and compliance
Where can I read a sample of Our Selfish Tax Laws?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262038249
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Our Selfish Tax Laws?
Anthony C. Infanti
Who is the Publisher of the book Our Selfish Tax Laws?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Our Selfish Tax Laws is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262038249) and ebook(ISBN 9780262347525) and ebook(ISBN 9780262347532) and ebook(ISBN 9780262347549)
Where can I buy Our Selfish Tax Laws online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Our Selfish Tax Laws from below
Where can I buy Our Selfish Tax Laws?