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Consumption Insurance, Welfare, and Optimal Progressive Taxation

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  • Rostam-Afschar, Davud
  • Yao, Jiaxiong

Abstract

Partial insurance of consumption against wage shocks is achieved through progressive taxation, labor supply adjustment, and precautionary wealth accumulation. The optimal degree of progressivity depends on preference and initial wealth conditions. More patient, more willing to work, and less wealthy households prefer more progressivity. The optimal progressivity is similar in Germany in comparison to the United States, though wealth has a greater impact on consumption insurance in Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Rostam-Afschar, Davud & Yao, Jiaxiong, 2017. "Consumption Insurance, Welfare, and Optimal Progressive Taxation," VfS Annual Conference 2017 (Vienna): Alternative Structures for Money and Banking 168179, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc17:168179
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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