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On the Optimal Design of Transfers and Income Tax Progressivity

Author

Listed:
  • Axelle Ferriere
  • Philipp Grübener
  • Gaston Navarro
  • Oliko Vardishvili

Abstract

We study the optimal design of means-tested transfers and progressive income taxes. In a simple analytical model, we show that adding a transfer to a log-linear tax induces welfare gains almost as large as in the second-best allocation. Transfers allow for more progressive average than marginal tax and transfer rates, achieving redistribution while preserving efficiency. In a rich dynamic model, we quantify the optimal fiscal plan. We use new flexible functions featuring targeted transfers and progressive income taxes, delivering a good empirical fit across the income distribution. Transfers should be larger than currently in the United States and financed with moderate income tax progressivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Axelle Ferriere & Philipp Grübener & Gaston Navarro & Oliko Vardishvili, 2023. "On the Optimal Design of Transfers and Income Tax Progressivity," Journal of Political Economy Macroeconomics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 1(2), pages 276-333.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpemac:doi:10.1086/725034
    DOI: 10.1086/725034
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    Cited by:

    1. Charles Labrousse & Yann Perdereau, 2024. "Geography versus income: the heterogeneous effects of carbon taxation," PSE Working Papers halshs-04464900, HAL.
    2. Chung Tran & Nabeeh Zakariyya, 2023. "Progressive Pension and Optimal Tax Progressivity," ANU Working Papers in Economics and Econometrics 2023-691, Australian National University, College of Business and Economics, School of Economics.
    3. Ugo Colombino & Nizamul Islam, 2025. "Lost jobs, new jobs and optimal tax-transfer reforms," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 64(4), pages 765-818, June.
    4. Nezih Guner & Martin Lopez-Daneri & Gustavo Ventura, 2023. "The Looming Fiscal Reckoning: Tax Distortions, Top Earners, and Revenues," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 50, pages 146-170, October.
    5. Brinca, Pedro & Duarte, João B. & Holter, Hans & Oliveira, João G., 2023. "Technological Change and Earnings Inequality in the U.S.: Implications for Optimal Taxation," Memorandum 1/2023, Oslo University, Department of Economics.
    6. Bilbiie, F. O. & Galaasen, S. M. & Gurkaynak, R. S. & Maehlum, M. & Molnar, K, 2025. "Hanksson," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2516, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    7. Yoshifumi Konishi & Sho Kuroda & Shunsuke Managi, 2024. "Income-based or Place-based? Carbon Dividends under Spatial Distribution of Automobile Demand," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series 2024-019, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.
    8. Tyrrell-Hendry, Lee, 2024. "Should I Stay (in School) or Should I Go (to Work)," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    9. Thomas Kollruss, 2025. "Is the tax calculation method for exemptions with progression contrary to EU law? Quantitative and formal–analytical analysis," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 11(1), pages 1-29, December.
    10. Jalles, João Tovar & Karras, Georgios, 2024. "Tax progressivity and income inequality in the US," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    11. Lea Fricke & Clemens Fuest & Dominik Sachs, 2025. "Carbon Emissions and Redistribution: The Design of Carbon Tax Rebates," CESifo Working Paper Series 12085, CESifo.
    12. Rafael Azevedo & Luis Bettoni & Marcelo Santos, 2024. "Severance savings accounts and life-cycle savings," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 78(4), pages 1275-1331, December.
    13. Youngsoo Jang & Takeki Sunakawa & Minchul Yum, 2023. "Tax‐and‐transfer progressivity and business cycles," Quantitative Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 14(4), pages 1367-1400, November.
    14. Luduvice, André Victor Doherty, 2024. "The macroeconomic effects of universal basic income programs," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs

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