Eligible participants in the U.S. Social Security system may claim benefits anytime from age 62-70, with benefit levels actuarially adjusted based on the claiming age. This paper shows that individual intentions with regard to Social Security claiming ages are sensitive to how the early versus...

<DIV><DIV>There is no question that the US is facing significant fiscal challenges. <I>Tax Policy and the Economy</I> research papers make valuable contributions to our understanding of the economic effects of alternative approaches. The papers collected in Volume 26 include a study of an important determinant...</i></div></div>

<DIV><P><I>Tax Policy and the Economy </I>publishes current academic research findings on taxation and government spending that have both immediate bearing on policy debates and longer-term interest. The papers in this volume range from topics as broad as the relative efficacy of tax cuts versus spending...</i></p></div>

<DIV>The recent financial crisis had a profound effect on both public and private universities, which faced shrinking endowments, declining charitable contributions, and reductions in government support. Universities responded to these stresses in different ways. This volume presents new evidence on...</div>

<DIV>In light of the very public debate on the federal budget this year between Democrats and Republicans, the economic ramifications of tax policy are now more than ever a focus of national attention. Tax Policy and the Economy, Volume 25 is thus an invaluable tool, publishing current academic...</div>

<DIV>The papers in Volume 28 of <I>Tax Policy and the Economy</I> illustrate the depth and breadth of the research by NBER research associates who study taxation and government spending programs.  The first paper explores whether closely held firms are used as tax shelters. The second examines the taxation...</i></div>

<DIV><DIV><I>Social Security Policy in a Changing Environment</I> analyzes the changing economic and demographic environment in which social insurance programs that benefit elderly households will operate.  It also explores how these ongoing trends will affect future beneficiaries, under both the current social...</i></div></div>

<DIV>Taxation policy was a central part of the policy debates over the “fiscal cliff.” Given the importance of fiscal issues, it is vital for rigorous empirical research to inform the policy dialogue.  In keeping with the NBER’s tradition of carrying out rigorous but policy-relevant research,...</div>