Effects of flat tax reforms in Western Europe on equity and efficiency

Publication type

ISER Working Paper Series

Series Number

2008-06

Series

ISER Working Paper Series

Authors

Publication date

March 13, 2008

Abstract:

The flat income tax has become increasingly popular recently, yet its implementation is
limited to Eastern Europe. We analyse the distributional and efficiency e¤ects of flat tax
scenarios for Western European countries. Our simulations show that flat tax rates required to attain revenue neutrality with existing basic allowances improve labour supply incentives. However, they result in higher inequality and polarisation. Flat rates necessary to keep the inequality levels unchanged allow for some scope for flat taxes to increase both equity and efficiency. Our analysis suggests that Mediterranean countries are more likely to benefit from flat taxes.

Subjects

Notes

working paper

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