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Does a Wealth Tax Improve Equality of Opportunity? Evidence from Norway

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  • Kristoffer Berg
  • Mr. Shafik Hebous

Abstract

Does parental wealth inequality impact next generation labor income inequality? And does a tax on parental wealth affect the labor income distribution of the next generation? We tackle both questions empirically using detailed intergenerational data from Norway, focusing on effects on wages rather than capital income. Results suggest that a net wealth of NOK 1 million increases wages of the children by NOK 14,000. Children of wealthy parents also have a higher labor income mobility. The estimated hypothetical wage distribution without the wealth tax is more unequal. Moreover, suggestive evidence indicates parental wealth is associated with higher labor risk taking.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristoffer Berg & Mr. Shafik Hebous, 2021. "Does a Wealth Tax Improve Equality of Opportunity? Evidence from Norway," IMF Working Papers 2021/085, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2021/085
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    Cited by:

    1. Iacono, Roberto & Smedsvik, Bård, 2023. "Behavioral responses to wealth taxation: evidence from a Norwegian reform," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121084, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Thor O Thoresen & Marius A K Ring & Odd E Nygård & Jon Epland, 2022. "A Wealth Tax at Work [Behavioural Responses to a Wealth Tax]," CESifo Economic Studies, CESifo Group, vol. 68(4), pages 321-361.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Wealth Tax; Equality of Opportunity; Parental Wealth; Income Mobility; Inequality; Redistribution; labor income dispersion; wealth tax tax rate; counterfactual income distribution; Wages; Income; Income distribution; Capital income;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies

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