Transferable tax credits in Missouri: an analytical review

Abstract

In 2005, Missouri had 53 legally authorized tax credit programs. In this paper, the authors assemble basic information on all of these programs and further analyze the six largest (by tax credits issued) that include freely transferable credits. Their analysis focuses on the institutional features of these programs, the kinds of market failures or disparities they may address, and whether the design of each program is consistent with its economic rationale. The authors also consider whether the evaluation of each program by the state is consistent with its economic rationale. They conclude with a brief discussion of the transactions prices for the credits on which they have data and whether making the tax credits refundable as well as transferable could reduce the transactions costs associated with these programs.Tax credits ; Economic development ; Missouri