THE MIRRLEES REVIEW: A U.S. PERSPECTIVE

The recently completed Mirrlees Review focuses on reforming the UK tax system. It represents an unusual blend of "best practice" application of economic theory and evidence to realistic policy design; it lays out policy proposals with sufficient justification and specificity that they go well beyond a statement of principles for reform. This paper examines the lessons that can be drawn from the analysis and conclusions of the Mirrlees Review, which have broad value especially for advanced countries like the United States that share many of the characteristics of the UK and face many of the same issues of tax policy design.