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Progressing Towards Efficiency: The Role for Labor Tax Progression in Reforming Social Security

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  • Makarski, Krzysztof

    (Warsaw School of Economics)

  • Tyrowicz, Joanna

    (University of Warsaw)

  • Komada, Oliwia

    (GRAPE)

Abstract

We study interactions between progressive labor taxation and social security reform. Increasing longevity puts fiscal strain that necessitates the social security reform. The current social security is redistributive, thus providing (at least partial) insurance against idiosyncratic income shocks, but at the expense of labor supply distortions. A reform which links pensions to individual incomes reduces distortions associated with social security contributions, but incurs insurance loss. We show that the progressive labor tax can partially substitute for the redistribution in social security, thus reducing the insurance loss.

Suggested Citation

  • Makarski, Krzysztof & Tyrowicz, Joanna & Komada, Oliwia, 2022. "Progressing Towards Efficiency: The Role for Labor Tax Progression in Reforming Social Security," IZA Discussion Papers 15100, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15100
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social security reform; labor income tax; redistribution; insurance; welfare effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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