This paper examines the history, scope, and types of investment tax credits (ITC`s) implemented in the United States. Changing views about the role of this fiscal policy tool are related to changing views about the structure of the economy and the possibilities for constructive public policies....

The evidence shows that in most countries the present value of depreciation allowances is less than 100% of the cost of capital. In this article we use a real-option model with debt financing, and show that less favorable depreciation allowances are offset by tax benefits arising from debt...