The impact of fiscal inequality on economic growth: Evidence from shifts in China's fiscal system

39 Pages Posted: 29 Apr 2022 Last revised: 8 Jun 2022

See all articles by Jiakai Zhang

Jiakai Zhang

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Date Written: October 21, 2021

Abstract

This paper examines how fiscal inequality affects regional economic growth in China through two fiscal systems using an event-study approach. The "event" is the 1994 tax-sharing reform that transitioned from the Fiscal Responsibility System (1987-1993) to the Tax Sharing System (1994-present). It presents three primary findings: Firstly, fiscal inequality positively impacts economic growth before 1994, but the effects become negative, albeit close to zero, thereafter. Secondly, there is no significant economic growth gap between "rich" and "poor" provinces before 1994; however, this gap widens post-1994. Finally, the use of extra-budgetary funds does not mitigate the economic growth gap.

Keywords: JEL classification codes: H71 H73 H77 O43 Fiscal inequality, Economic growth, Chinese fiscal system, Extrabudgetary fund

JEL Classification: H71, H73, H77, O43

Suggested Citation

Zhang, Jiakai, The impact of fiscal inequality on economic growth: Evidence from shifts in China's fiscal system (October 21, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4089899 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4089899

Jiakai Zhang (Contact Author)

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology ( email )

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