Examines the theoretical rationale for wealth transfer taxes, discusses data on the distribution and accumulation of wealth, and reviews the experience of the United States and other countries under their existing systems. Because a substantial portion of the existing stock of wealth is...

There have been many proposals for restoring financial balance to Social Security; this article presents a strong case for retaining the current defined benefit system and not replacing a portion or all of Social Security with a system of individual accounts.

Takes a closer look at the tax expenditure for employer-sponsored pensions and addresses the saving issue while concluding that support for employer-sponsored pension plans should not rest on the assumption that they increase national saving. Assesses the effectiveness of pensions as a provider...