Effects of Flat Tax Reforms in Western Europe on Equity and Efficiency
FiFo-CPE Discussion Paper No. 08-4
36 Pages Posted: 19 Mar 2008
Date Written: March 12, 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 effects 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.
Keywords: flat tax reform, income distribution, work incentives, microsimulation
JEL Classification: C81, D31, H24
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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