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Labor Tax Cuts and Employment: A General Equilibrium Approach for France

Author

Listed:
  • Mr. Raphael A Espinoza
  • Mrs. Esther Perez Ruiz

Abstract

The paper presents a simple supply side, general equilibrium model to estimate the macroeconomic effects of labor tax cuts. The model assumes that output is produced using capital, unskilled and skilled workers, and public servants. Wage formation for skilled workers features a Blanchflower-Oswald wage curve, while the labor supply for unskilled workers is very elastic around the minimum wage for small changes in employment. The model is calibrated for France and used to estimate the output and employment effects induced by two recent tax reforms: the Crédit d’Impôt pour la Compétitivité et l’Emploi (CICE) and the Pacte de Solidarité Responsabilité (RSP). We find that the tax cuts, if not offset by other fiscal measures, would contribute overall to creating around 200,000 jobs in the short run (600,000 jobs in the long run). Since the model abstracts from demand side effects, the results should be interpreted as providing estimates of the effect of tax measures on potential output and potential employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Raphael A Espinoza & Mrs. Esther Perez Ruiz, 2014. "Labor Tax Cuts and Employment: A General Equilibrium Approach for France," IMF Working Papers 2014/114, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2014/114
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Burgert & Lucia Granelli & Hans Naudts, 2017. "An Assessment of the 'Crédit d'Impôt pour la Compétitivité et l'Emploi' and the 'Pacte de Responsabilité et Solidarité'," European Economy - Economic Briefs 032, Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN), European Commission.
    2. Mr. Raphael A Espinoza & Mrs. Esther Perez Ruiz, 2016. "How Do Fiscal and Labor Policies in France Affect Inequality?," IMF Working Papers 2016/041, International Monetary Fund.
    3. Vincent Charlet & Philippe Frocrain, 2017. "Les limites des allégements de charges sur les bas salaires," Working Papers hal-01695167, HAL.

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