Rethinking the Mortgage Interest Deduction

The mortgage interest deduction has long been one of the sacred cows of tax policy. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, however, many observers have begun to wonder whether the time has finally come for reform. Ideas range from getting rid of America's favorite tax break to provide more revenue for solving the debt ceiling debate to overhauling it as a part of broad tax policy reform. And since neither debt nor homeownership look as special as they did just a few years ago, there is ample room for discussion. Jumping into the fray, the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and the Reason Foundation are bringing together a panel of experts to debate the future of the mortgage interest deduction.

---

Usage and reprints: Most publications may be downloaded free of charge from the web site and may be used and copies made for research, academic, policy or other non-commercial purposes. Proper attribution is required. Posting UI research papers on other websites is permitted subject to prior approval from the Urban Institute—contact [email protected].

If you are unable to access or print the PDF document please contact us or call the Publications Office at (202) 261-5687.

Disclaimer: The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Copyright of the written materials contained within the Urban Institute website is owned or controlled by the Urban Institute.