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The effects of corporate taxes on small firms

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  • Harju, Jarkko
  • Koivisto, Aliisa
  • Matikka, Tuomas

Abstract

We study the impact of corporate taxes on firm-level investments and business activity by exploiting a 6 percentage-point reduction in the corporate tax rate in 2012–2014 in Finland. We use detailed administrative data and a difference-in-differences method comparing small corporations (tax rate cuts) to similar partnerships (no change in taxes). We find no significant average investment responses but do observe an average increase in annual sales (1.6%) and variable costs (2%) when comparing years before (2008–2011) and after (2014–2016) the tax rate cuts. These effects are driven by more cash-constrained firms and firms where the main owner actively works in the firm.

Suggested Citation

  • Harju, Jarkko & Koivisto, Aliisa & Matikka, Tuomas, 2022. "The effects of corporate taxes on small firms," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:212:y:2022:i:c:s0047272722001062
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2022.104704
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    2. Corti Paul Lakuma & Rehema Kahunde, 2023. "Global minimum corporate income tax: Challenges and prospects for Uganda," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2023-137, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Segundo Camino‐Mogro, 2023. "Tax incentives, private investment and employment: Evidence from an Ecuadorian reform," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(7), pages 2129-2156, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate taxation; Investments; Business activity; Small firms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G38 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies

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