Title

Children and the Income Tax

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1993

Abstract

All children are not equal under the federal income tax. The enormous variation in the tax consequences attributable to children suggest a need to evaluate how the income tax adjusts for for family relationships. This article is a comprehensive review of the various ways the Code might adjust tax liabilities to reflect differences in family responsibilities. It begins with a description of current tax benefits to families, some examples of how those benefits work in different situations and a review of proposals for reform.