An Analyst's Guide to TRIM 2

A descriptive guide to the TRIM2 model, geared specifically to the needs of policy analysts. TRIM2 is a comprehensive microsimulation model widely used by government and academic analysts for simulating the effects of different policy, economic, and demographic scenarios. Concepts that are important for analysts to understand are explained in detail. Information of primary interest to programmers is mentioned only briefly - with reference, as appropriate, to the multivolume technical documentation. Analysts interested in using TRIM2 can learn how the model works and what it simulates. Analysts already familiar with TRIM2 can read the details of how to simulate a particular tax or transfer program. Analysts who will not use TRIM2 directly but who must use reports based on TRIM2 results should gain a better understanding of how those results were generated. Although TRIM2 is under constant development, the basic concepts and structure should remain constant, making the "Guide" a reference for many years to come.