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Should Social Security Rely Solely on the Payroll Tax?

August 4, 2009
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Issue Brief by Alicia H. Munnell

The brief’s key findings are:

  • The Social Security payroll tax supports: 1) the cost of current benefits; and 2) the “legacy cost” of paying benefits in excess of contributions to early generations.
  • Covering current costs through the payroll tax gives workers’ a sense that they have earned their benefits and provides a stable revenue source.
  • Covering legacy costs, however, means that low- and middle-income workers are paying disproportionately for the benefits of past generations.
  • Shifting legacy costs to the income tax would spread the burden more broadly.
Their finances are in the green
Their finances are in the green
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Alicia H. Munnell
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Munnell, Alicia H.. 2009. "Should Social Security Rely Solely on the Payroll Tax?" Issue in Brief 9-16. Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

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Topics
Social Security
Publication Type
Issue Brief
Publication Number
IB#9-16
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