Tax Foundation

Shippers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL have begun passing on tariff refunds received from the U.S. government to customers who originally paid the tariffs for imported goods. These refunds are part of a monthslong process initiated after the Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump in March 2025. Consumers can check carrier portals, like FedEx's website, to determine if they are due a refund, though most big retailers used the funds to lower prices rather than issuing direct consumer refunds.

Following a Supreme Court decision that struck down sweeping tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump in March 2025, shippers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL are beginning to pass on tariff refunds received from the U.S. government to customers. These refunds are the last step in a monthslong process of returning tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on imported goods. Customers who originally paid tariffs may check specific carrier websites for details on receiving their direct refund.

Texas is emerging as a leading economic heavyweight due to significant population growth in major metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, coupled with a $5 billion influx of taxpayer income from interstate migrants. The state's diversified economic growth and favorable tax and regulatory environment contrast with multibillion-dollar income losses in California and New York.

Texas is gaining significant economic momentum due to population growth in major metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, combined with billions in taxpayer wealth inflows. IRS data show Texas gained over $5 billion in adjusted gross income from interstate migrants, contrasting with losses in California and New York.

States have shifted tax revenue sources from income and corporate taxes to sales taxes since 1990, disproportionately affecting low earners. While income tax cuts aim to attract workers, sales tax increases risk budget shortfalls and contradict public demands to tax the wealthy more. Louisiana's 2025 tax adjustments exemplify the instability of this strategy.

Ohio governor candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Dr. Amy Acton both propose property tax relief but lack detailed funding plans. Ramaswamy advocates rolling back property taxes to 2020 levels and capping growth, while Acton emphasizes increasing state funding for schools to reduce reliance on property taxes. Neither candidate has explicitly outlined which programs would be cut to offset their proposals.

North Dakota has become one of the most tax-friendly states due to tax cuts, strong finances, and oil revenue, allowing it to maintain low tax burdens while attracting residents and businesses. The state contrasts with high-tax blue states like California and New York, which rely on income taxes, while North Dakota benefits from energy wealth.

A proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on California billionaires faces opposition despite 54% voter support. Critics, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Teachers Association, argue the tax lacks sustainability and is constitutionally vulnerable. Billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Jensen Huang are highlighted as potential targets, while concerns about tax avoidance strategies and residency disputes are raised.

Florida and Texas are competing to attract residents by offering low-tax environments. Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, proposes expanding homestead exemptions to reduce property taxes, aiming to gain an edge over Texas, though critics warn of potential impacts on local government funding and services.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing to expand the state's homestead exemption to reduce property taxes, aiming to attract residents and businesses by offering a competitive edge over Texas. The plan could lower tax bills for millions of homeowners but may cost local governments over $8.4 billion annually in revenue, sparking debate over funding for public services.

President Donald Trump has proposed a temporary federal gas tax waiver to alleviate high gas prices, but the measure requires Congressional approval and faces debate over its effectiveness. The tax holiday could save drivers up to 18.4 cents per gallon, though critics argue it may not significantly reduce prices due to market dynamics and increased demand.

Red states like Texas and Florida are gaining population and taxable income, reshaping economic and political power in the U.S. Blue states such as California and New York are experiencing significant outbound migration and losses in taxable income. The trend reflects affordability pressures driving residents to lower-cost, lower-tax Sun Belt states.

Red states like Texas and Florida are experiencing significant population and wealth growth, while blue states such as California and New York face major outflows of residents and taxable income. The IRS data highlights a shift in economic and political power toward Sun Belt states, driven by affordability and lower taxes.

Southern and Sun Belt states are experiencing a surge in population and wealth due to inbound migration, with Texas and Florida leading the nation in gaining residents and income tax filers. This shift is reshaping population pockets, economic power, and political influence ahead of the 2026 midterms. The relocation patterns are driven by Americans seeking lower-cost and lower-tax states.

The Southern and Sun Belt states are experiencing a surge in population and wealth as Americans move away from coastal states, with Texas and Florida leading the nation in inbound migration. This shift is expected to influence housing markets, state economies, and political power ahead of the 2026 midterms. The relocation patterns are driven by economic pressures and tax burdens in blue states.

The White House has launched National Small Business Week to celebrate small businesses' contribution to the economy and jobs. Republicans believe that Trump's tax cuts will be a key argument for winning the midterms, as small business owners are likely to vote Republican if promised relief from high taxes. There are over 36.8 million small businesses in the US, which could pay more tax than those in China if Trump's cuts expire.

The top 1% of earners pay roughly 40% of all federal income taxes, while the top 10% pay closer to 70%. Nearly half of Americans pay little to no federal income tax each year. The wealthy pay more in taxes beyond federal income tax, including surtaxes, property taxes, and sales taxes.

President Donald Trump interacted with DoorDash delivery driver Sharon Simmons at the White House, promoting his 'no tax on tips' policy and surprising her with a $100 cash tip. The event highlighted efforts to reduce taxes on gratuities for gig workers, with DoorDash advocating for the policy's benefits.

President Donald Trump met with DoorDash delivery driver Sharon Simmons at the White House to promote his 'no tax on tips' policy, surprising her with a $100 cash tip. The policy aims to allow tip earners to deduct up to $25,000 in taxable income from 2025-2028 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.