Fiscal Federalism as Risk-Sharing: The Insurance Role of Redistributive Taxation

55 Pages Posted: 22 Jun 2014 Last revised: 11 Jun 2015

See all articles by John R. Brooks

John R. Brooks

Fordham University School of Law

Date Written: June 12, 2014

Abstract

In addition to funding government and redistributing income, a redistributive tax-and-transfer system, and a progressive income tax in particular, provides insurance against the risk of uncertain future income. By providing for high taxes for high incomes, and low taxes, exemptions, and transfers for low incomes, a progressive income tax lowers the volatility of potential after-tax income relative to a lump-sum tax. This insurance function is distinct from the redistributive function of the system, since it provides a direct risk-mitigation benefit to the taxpayer himself, rather than simply redistributing income from one taxpayer to another.

This article analyzes the question of at what level of government to assign the income tax role in a federal system, given both its redistributive and insurance functions. The standard view in the literature is that redistribution is best done centrally, and thus that an income tax is best used by the federal government, rather than by state governments. Yet recent work suggests that states can effectively have some role in redistribution. Income insurance, however, can be more effectively done by the federal government, because of its larger risk pool and better ability to handle revenue volatility.

This article argues that states will, and likely should, use progressive income taxes as a tool of greater redistribution. At the same time, the insurance function of a progressive income tax can still be nationalized through policies that resemble re-insurance. In particular, this article looks at the idea of a multi-state rainy-day fund as a form of pooled state revenue insurance, as well as federal policies that may achieve some of the same benefits.

Keywords: taxation, fiscal federalism, insurance

JEL Classification: K30, K34, K39, H20, H29

Suggested Citation

Brooks, John R., Fiscal Federalism as Risk-Sharing: The Insurance Role of Redistributive Taxation (June 12, 2014). Tax Law Review, Vol. 68, pp. 89-142, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2456420

John R. Brooks (Contact Author)

Fordham University School of Law ( email )

140 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023
United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.fordham.edu/info/30655/john_brooks

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
125
Abstract Views
1,476
Rank
407,300
PlumX Metrics