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The asset location puzzle: Taxes matter

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  • Zhou, Jie

Abstract

Asset location decisions observed in practice deviate substantially from the predictions of theoretical models. This paper develops a life cycle model with a progressive tax system to quantitatively evaluate two explanations of the asset location puzzle. We find that taxes matter significantly for asset location decisions. The key mechanism is the benefits from pre-tax accumulation. We also find that for reasonable parameter values the precautionary motive is not quantitatively important in terms of its effect on asset location.

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  • Zhou, Jie, 2009. "The asset location puzzle: Taxes matter," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 955-969, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:33:y:2009:i:4:p:955-969
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    5. Ebrahim, M. Shahid & Mathur, Ike & ap Gwilym, Rhys, 2014. "Integrating corporate ownership and pension fund structures: A general equilibrium approach," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 553-569.
    6. Marekwica, Marcel & Schaefer, Alexander & Sebastian, Steffen, 2013. "Life cycle asset allocation in the presence of housing and tax-deferred investing," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 37(6), pages 1110-1125.
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    9. Zhou, Jie, 2012. "Life-cycle stock market participation in taxable and tax-deferred accounts," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 36(11), pages 1814-1829.
    10. Brown, David C. & Cederburg, Scott & O’Doherty, Michael S., 2017. "Tax uncertainty and retirement savings diversification," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(3), pages 689-712.
    11. Anson T. Y. Ho & Jie Zhou, 2016. "Housing and Tax-Deferred Retirement Accounts," Staff Working Papers 16-24, Bank of Canada.

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