...The existing evidence suggests that shifting tax incentives to lower-income earners relative to the current system of tax incentives will increase savings among lower-income savers. It hence stands to reason that strengthening savings incentives for lower-income savers beyond a flat credit for all through progressive matches could help them save even more. But even in the existing tax code, Congress could add progressive savings matches as a first step to counter the upside-down nature of current savings incentives.

This issue brief consequently summarizes existing matches and novel proposals to expand them to inform the discussion around making savings incentives work better for the lower-income households who need them the most. (author introduction)