United States Federal Tax Policy Surrounding The Investment Tax Credit: A Review of Legislative Intent and Empirical Research Findings Over Thirty Years (1962-1991)

Congress enacts tax legislation amidst numerous concerns beyond mere revenue raising. Significant congressional tax policy consideration is conferred upon social objectives, equity concerns, administrative matters, and macroeconomic goals. Within the purview of macro-economic goals can be found federal tax policy relating to investments in fixed assets - which assets are depreciable, the allowable depreciation methods, depreciable lives, and the investment tax credit. Federal tax policy concerning the investment tax credit (ITC) is the topic of this article