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Macroeconomic Effects of the Anticipation and Implementation of Tax Changes in Germany: Evidence from a Narrative Account

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  • Désirée I. Christofzik
  • Angela Fuest
  • Robin Jessen

Abstract

This paper quantifies the dynamic macroeconomic effects of tax changes in Germany, allowing for anticipation effects of preannounced tax reforms. Identification is achieved using a narrative approach, which provides information about the timing of tax reforms. An anticipated cut in taxes has a positive effect on output with a peak multiplier of 1.7, not observed until nine quarters after implementation. This positive effect is accompanied by significant negative anticipation effects on output, consumption, investment, hours worked and wages. Our results suggest that policymakers should take anticipation effects into account when implementing fiscal policy measures.

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  • Désirée I. Christofzik & Angela Fuest & Robin Jessen, 2022. "Macroeconomic Effects of the Anticipation and Implementation of Tax Changes in Germany: Evidence from a Narrative Account," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 89(353), pages 62-81, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:econom:v:89:y:2022:i:353:p:62-81
    DOI: 10.1111/ecca.12389
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    1. Funke, Michael & Terasa, Raphael, 2022. "Has Germany’s temporary VAT rates cut as part of the COVID-19 fiscal stimulus boosted growth?," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 44(2), pages 450-473.
    2. Albina Latifi & Viktoriia Naboka-Krell & Peter Tillmann & Peter Winker, 2023. "Fiscal Policy in the Bundestag: Textual Analysis and Macroeconomic Effects," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202307, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    3. Michael Funke & Raphael Terasa, 2020. "Will Germany's Temporary VAT Tax Rates Cut as Part of the Covid-19 Fiscal Stimulus Package Boost Consumption and Growth?," CESifo Working Paper Series 8765, CESifo.
    4. Hayo, Bernd & Mierzwa, Sascha, 2022. "Legislative tax announcements and GDP: Evidence from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    5. Latifi, Albina & Naboka-Krell, Viktoriia & Tillmann, Peter & Winker, Peter, 2023. "Fiscal Policy in the Bundestag: Textual Analysis and Macroeconomic Effects," VfS Annual Conference 2023 (Regensburg): Growth and the "sociale Frage" 277624, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.

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    JEL classification:

    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
    • H30 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - General
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory

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