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Estimation of the Fiscal Elasticities for Cyprus

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  • Aris A. Avgousti

    (Central Bank of Cyprus)

Abstract

This paper presents updated estimates of short-run elasticities for the fiscal variables that depend upon the economic cycle for Cyprus. First, we construct a ‘policy-neutral’ time-series dataset, adjusting fiscal data for the estimated or assumed impact of discretionary policy measures. Then, for each fiscal variable, we estimate various specifcations using different macro bases and control variables (year dummies, structural breaks, or tax reforms), applying two econometric models (first differences and error correction model) to annual data for the period 1995-2023. In addition, we employ rolling-window regressions to detect possible trends in the fiscal-to-base elasticities. For each fiscal variable, we select the specifcations that satisfy the pre-specifed model-selection criteria and identify the most suitable specification. Based on the estimation results, we propose the use of updated fiscal elasticities for our forecasts. The proposed changes to the fiscal elasticities involve adjustments to the macro bases for three main revenue categories – personal income tax, social security contributions, and value added tax – but most importantly, they generally suggest the use of higher elasticities compared to those previously applied, particularly for revenue from direct taxes (personal and corporate income taxes). The impact of these changes on the June 2024 fiscal projections of the CBC is signifcant. All else equal (i.e. without any changes in judgment), public revenue would rise by 0.1 percent of GDP in 2024, 0.3 percent of GDP in 2025 and 0.7 percent of GDP in 2026. The largest impact would stem from the changes in the elasticities of personal and corporate income taxes, with average annual impacts of 0.12 percent of GDP and 0.10 percent of GDP, respectively. The updated estimates of fiscal elasticities could improve the accuracy of our fiscal projections and provide a clearer understanding of the factors driving government revenue and unemployment-related expenses.

Suggested Citation

  • Aris A. Avgousti, 2025. "Estimation of the Fiscal Elasticities for Cyprus," Working Papers 2025-1, Central Bank of Cyprus.
    • Handle: RePEc:cyb:wpaper:2025-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Price & Thai-Thanh Dang & Yvan Guillemette, 2014. "New Tax and Expenditure Elasticity Estimates for EU Budget Surveillance," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 1174, OECD Publishing.
    2. Gilles Mourre & George-Marian Isbasoiu & Dario Paternoster & Matteo Salto, 2013. "The cyclically-adjusted budget balance used in the EU fiscal framework: an update," European Economy - Economic Papers 2008 - 2015 478, Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN), European Commission.
    3. Nathalie Girouard & Christophe André, 2005. "Measuring Cyclically-adjusted Budget Balances for OECD Countries," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 434, OECD Publishing.
    4. Savina Princen & Gilles Mourre & Dario Paternoster & George-Marian Isbasoiu, 2013. "Discretionary tax measures: pattern and impact on tax elasticities," European Economy - Economic Papers 2008 - 2015 499, Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN), European Commission.
    5. Robert Price & Thai-Thanh Dang & Jarmila Botev, 2015. "Adjusting fiscal balances for the business cycle: New tax and expenditure elasticity estimates for OECD countries," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 1275, OECD Publishing.
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    JEL classification:

    • H68 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Forecasts of Budgets, Deficits, and Debt
    • H30 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - General

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