Kayla Kitson (she/her/hers)
Senior Policy Fellow
Kayla Kitson, Senior Policy Fellow, conducts research, authors publications, and provides technical assistance related to state tax and revenue policies. The primary goal of her work is to advance policies that make the state’s tax system more fair and ensure that it raises enough revenue to support the services Californians need to thrive.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2018, Kayla worked on federal tax policy issues in Washington, DC at Americans for Tax Fairness and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Prior to getting into tax policy work, she focused on affordable housing and homelessness at organizations in Los Angeles County and the Bay Area. Kayla received a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in social welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Kayla was raised in San Diego County and enjoys watching TV with wry humor, listening to music, and occasionally camping. When she’s not working or bingeing TV, you might find her doing word puzzles or practicing Spanish with Duolingo or her cat.
meet the expert: Kayla Kitson
Read more about Kayla's story and the work she's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Kayla Kitson
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5Facts
5 Facts to Know About Corporate Taxes in California
key takeaway Large profitable corporations in California have several strategies to avoid paying more than the minimum $800 state tax, costing the state billions in lost revenue each year. State leaders can take steps to reduce corporate tax breaks to better invest in the health and well-being of all Californians. At a time when many …Taxes & Revenue -
Glossary
Tax and Revenue Policy Glossary
What’s the difference between income and wealth? Taxes for individuals and corporations in California? Tax credits and deductions? Understanding these key terms is critical to navigating the state budget and its intersection with California’s tax and revenue system to generate ongoing resources and provide quality education, affordable health care, child care, housing, and other services …Budget AcademyTaxes & Revenue -
Fact Sheet
Water’s Edge: Closing the Largest Corporate Tax Loophole in California
Corporate profits have skyrocketed in recent years while workers’ wages have stagnated and families struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living. Despite these disparities, large tax breaks, such as the “Water’s Edge” loophole, remain in place. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump tax cuts and stand to receive …California BudgetTaxes & Revenue -
Issue Brief
Profitable Corporations Can’t Keep Paying Zero in California State Taxes
In California, workers’ wages have stagnated and families struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living, while corporate profits have skyrocketed. Yet many profitable corporations in California pay zero or very little in state taxes year after year. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump tax cuts and are poised …California BudgetTaxes & Revenue -
Fact Sheet
Legal Loopholes: How Corporations Reduce Their California Tax Bill
In California, workers’ wages have stagnated and families struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living, while corporate profits have skyrocketed. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump tax cuts and are poised to receive more benefits from the federal tax and budget bill just enacted by the Trump administration …Taxes & Revenue
