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Robust p theory of taxes and debt management

Author

Listed:
  • Niu, Yingjie
  • Tang, Zian
  • Yang, Jinqiang

Abstract

We consider the optimal tax and borrowing plan of a government that worries about model uncertainty and seeks robust decisions. Quantitative implications show that the presence of model uncertainty makes the government more willing to borrow and enlarges its debt capacity. Under the worst-case scenario, the marginal benefit of taxation and the optimal tax rate decreases first and then increases. This is due to the game between two opposing effects induced by ambiguity. Moreover, the government should engage more in financial hedging while the amount of holdings is no longer linear in the debt-to-GDP ratio.

Suggested Citation

  • Niu, Yingjie & Tang, Zian & Yang, Jinqiang, 2025. "Robust p theory of taxes and debt management," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:178:y:2025:i:c:s0165188925001241
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jedc.2025.105158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation

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