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Testing the Mill hypothesis of fiscal illusion

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  • Rupert Sausgruber

    (University of Innsbruck)

  • Jean-Robert Tyran

    (Institute of Economics, University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

According to the “Mill hypothesis”, the tax burden from indirect taxation is underestimated because indirect taxes are less “visible” than direct taxes. We experimentally test the Mill hypothesis and identify tax framing as a cause of fiscal illusion. We find that the tax burden associated with an indirect tax is underestimated, whereas this is not the case with an equivalent direct tax. In a referendum to tax and redistribute tax revenue, fiscal illusion is found to distort democratic decisions and to result in “excessive” redistribution. Yet, voters eventually learn to overcome fiscal illusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Rupert Sausgruber & Jean-Robert Tyran, "undated". "Testing the Mill hypothesis of fiscal illusion," Discussion Papers 04-18, University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics, revised Sep 2004.
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:kuiedp:0418
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fiscal illusion; voting behavior; indirect taxation; redistribution; learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • H22 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Incidence
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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