ISER Working Paper Series 2008-06

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

Authors

Publication date

13 Mar 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

Microsimulation and Taxation

Notes

working paper

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