James R. Hines, Jr.

James R. Hines, Jr. is a Professor of Economics and Law at the University of Michigan, holding the Richard A. Musgrave Collegiate Professor of Economics and L. Hart Wright Collegiate Professor of Law titles. He serves as Research Director of the Office of Tax Policy Research at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. His career spans teaching at Princeton, Harvard, and visiting roles at Columbia, London School of Economics, University of California-Berkeley, and Harvard Law School.

• Education: Ph.D. in Economics (Harvard University, 1986); M.A. and B.A. Cum Laude in Economics (Yale University, 1980)

Hines’ research focuses on public finance and taxation, particularly corporate taxation, tax policy reform, and international tax implications. His work frequently bridges law and economics, analyzing how tax regulations affect business practices and global competitiveness.

Recent research includes a 2016 NBER Working Paper on inter vivos ownership transfers in German family firms, highlighting how tax reforms and business conditions influence wealth transfer trends. This aligns with his broader expertise in tax policy and institutional economics.

Scientific Awards:

• 2017 Daniel M. Holland Medal (National Tax Association) for lifetime achievement in public finance

Hines is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), Co-Editor of the Journal of Economic Perspectives (past role), and active in global tax policy dialogues. He previously served as an economist at the U.S. Department of Commerce.