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Who Pays Sin Taxes? Understanding the Overlapping Burdens of Corrective Taxes

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Conlon
  • Nirupama L. Rao
  • Yinan Wang

Abstract

We find that sin good purchases are highly concentrated with 10% of households paying more than 80% of taxes on alcohol and cigarettes. Total sin tax burdens are poorly explained by demographics (including income), but are well explained by eight household clusters defined by purchasing patterns. The two most taxed clusters comprise 8% of households, pay 68% of sin taxes, are older, less educated, and lower income. Taxes on sugary beverages broaden the tax base but add to the burdens of heavily taxed households. Efforts to increase sin taxes should consider the heavy burdens borne by few households.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Conlon & Nirupama L. Rao & Yinan Wang, 2021. "Who Pays Sin Taxes? Understanding the Overlapping Burdens of Corrective Taxes," NBER Working Papers 29393, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29393
    Note: IO PE
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H22 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Incidence
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • L66 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Food; Beverages; Cosmetics; Tobacco

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