About
Our Mission
OTPR has Two Missions: (i) to encourage and facilitate joint research on the tax system by economists and scholars of other disciplines and (ii) to serve as a liaison on tax issues among the academic, business, and policy making tax communities. Internally, we support two weekly seminars by faculty and graduate students, provide resources for data acquisition and conference participation, and organize and run research conferences of topical policy interest.
Our History
The Office of Tax Policy Research (OTPR), was established in 1987 as a research office of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. OTPR supports and disseminates state-of-the-art academic research on all aspects of the tax system, with the goal of informing discussion about the future course of policy. Our research spans both national and international audiences through numerous means, including funding faculty and student projects, hosting conferences, sponsoring visiting scholars, disseminating publications, and advising doctoral students.
Our Conferences
During our history, we have sponsored or co-sponsored more than 20 conferences. To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we hosted a special conference on June 21 – 23, 2018 featuring prominent economists from around the world. Round table discussions were held on Global Tax Policy Issues, Promising New Directions in Tax Research, and What It Would Be Good to Know in 2048 (OTPR’s 60th Anniversary)!
Our International Projects
Participating in international projects and hosting Visiting Scholars have provided opportunities for collaborative discussions that aid us in our mission of encouraging and facilitating joint research on tax systems. These collaborations have included the following countries: Australia, Austria, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
ADVISING & MENTORING
Our Visiting Scholars
One of our primary responsibilities is to advise and mentor Ph.D. students. In total, we have advised more than 55 students who are now embarking on their own journeys in academic institutions, government, and business. You may find them at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Columbia University, or the Higher School in Economics St. Petersburg; the U.S. Department of the Treasury; the Ministry of Finance, Thailand, or the Ministry of Finance, Japan; the Korea Capital Market Institute or Abt Associates. We are proud of the global impact they are creating.