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The Sensitivity Of Common Horizontal Equity Measures To Variations In Omitted Income

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  • Susan Rhame
  • Robert Walsh

Abstract

This paper examines the sensitivity of horizontal equity measures (coefficient of variation (CV) and coefficient of residual variation (CRV)) to a common assumption in horizontal equity studies – that changes in level of omitted income do not change horizontal equity experienced by taxpayers in similarly situated income groups. It have been assumed in many prior studies that certain income exclusions or deductions allowed from taxable income have no effect on the resulting horizontal equity measurements. This paper examines whether the CV and CRV remain low within each income group when the mortgage interest deduction and the charitable contribution deduction are disallowed. In general, the omission of certain income does create a wider variation of effective tax rates within income groups. The results of this study indicate that future horizontal equity studies should consider that omitted income, either through income exclusions or deductions allowed, may affect horizontal equity measures. In addition, for policy makers, taking steps to decrease the tax gap also increases horizontal equity.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan Rhame & Robert Walsh, 2011. "The Sensitivity Of Common Horizontal Equity Measures To Variations In Omitted Income," Accounting & Taxation, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 3(1), pages 81-89.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibf:acttax:v:3:y:2011:i:1:p:81-89
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frank A. Cowell, 1990. "Cheating the Government: The Economics of Evasion," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262532484, December.
    2. Bakija, Jon & Steuerle, C. Eugene, 1991. "Individual Income Taxation Since 1948," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 44(4), pages 451-475, December.
    3. David J. Pyle, 1989. "Tax Evasion and the Black Economy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-08488-3.
    4. Bakija, Jon & Steuerle, C. Eugene, 1991. "Individual Income Taxation Since 1948," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association, vol. 44(4), pages 451-75, December.
    5. Brennan, Geoffrey, 1971. "Horizontal Equity: An Extension of an Extension," Public Finance = Finances publiques, , vol. 26(3), pages 437-456.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    taxation; horizontal equity; coefficient of variation; coefficient of residual variation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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