The major types of U.S. federal, state, and local taxes are explored, and the impact of those taxes on all types of women--rich and poor, old and young, employed and not employed, parent and non-parent--are examined. Specifically discussed are the social security tax; the federal income tax system, including the marriage tax, the earned income credit, and the dependent care tax credit; the income tax threshold and individual retirement accounts; the federal corporate income tax; federal gift and estate taxes; and state and local taxes. Since men and women differ in the way they earn and spend income, they are necessarily treated differently within the tax system. Tax reform aims at fairness, but this is probably an illusory goal. At best the system might strive toward establishing specific objectives, modifying tax codes and regulations to attain those goals. Policymakers must understand that there is no such thing as a neutral tax and, therefore, no such thing as a gender-neutral tax. Policymakers must be conscious of the direct and indirect aspects of all taxation and develop tax policy with a clear understanding of who will be affected and whether or not the effects are desirable. (RM)