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Kirchhof oder Hollande: wie hoch soll der Spitzensteuersatz in Deutschland sein?

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  • Stefan Bach

Abstract

Taxes on high income and wealth are controversial in optimal taxation theory and tax policy. In models that are based on few estimable parameters, optimal top tax rates hinge on taxpayers' behavioral responses and top income concentration. Depending on the magnitude of the responses optimal top tax rates span from 25 percent ("Kirchhof") to 75 percent ("Hollande"). Tax avoidance often stems from insufficient regulations of tax law and tax administration. In terms of economic efficiency and tax policy tax avoidance adjustments are different from changes in real economic behavior since tax policy could reduce the former, at least in the long run. In Optimalsteuerlehre und Steuerpolitik werden Steuern auf höhere Einkommen und Vermögen kontrovers diskutiert. In Modellen, die auf wenigen empirisch zu bestimmenden Parametern beruhen, hängen die optimalen Spitzensteuersätze von den Anpassungsreaktionen der Steuerpflichtigen und von der Einkommenskonzentration ab. Je nach Stärke der Ausweichreaktionen reichen die optimalen Spitzensteuersätze von 25 Prozent ("Kirchhof") bis 75 Prozent ("Hollande"). Viele Steuervermeidungsmöglichkeiten beruhen auf unzureichenden steuerrechtlichen und technischen Regelungen. Diese sind unter wohlfahrts- und steuerpolitischen Gesichtspunkten anders zu beurteilen als realwirtschaftliche Verhaltensanpassungen und können zumindest längerfristig eingeschränkt werden.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Bach, 2013. "Kirchhof oder Hollande: wie hoch soll der Spitzensteuersatz in Deutschland sein?," Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung / Quarterly Journal of Economic Research, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 82(1), pages 77-99.
    • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwvjh:82-1-6
    DOI: 10.3790/vjh.82.1.77
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giacomo Corneo, 2005. "The Rise and Likely Fall of the German Income Tax, 1958–2005," CESifo Economic Studies, CESifo Group, vol. 51(1), pages 159-186.
    2. Diamond, Peter A, 1998. "Optimal Income Taxation: An Example with a U-Shaped Pattern of Optimal Marginal Tax Rates," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 88(1), pages 83-95, March.
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    1. repec:ilo:ilowps:485510 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Godar, Sarah. & Paetz, Christoph. & Truger, Achim., 2014. "Progressive tax reform in OECD countries : perspectives and obstacles," ILO Working Papers 994855103402676, International Labour Organization.
    3. Katja Rietzler & Dieter Teichmann & Achim Truger, 2013. "IMK Steuerschätzung 2013-2017," IMK Report 81-2013, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
    4. Achim Truger & Dieter Vesper, 2014. "Zur Reform des Länderfinanzausgleichs ? eine Notwendigkeit?," IMK Studies 37-2014, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
    5. Hermle, Johannes & Peichl, Andreas, 2013. "Ist die Antwort wirklich 42? Die Frage nach dem optimalen Spitzensteuersatz für Deutschland," IZA Standpunkte 60, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Top income tax rate; optimal income taxation; tax progression;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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