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Explaining the Variation in Empirical Estimates of Tax Elasticities of Foreign Direct Investment

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  • Ruud A. de Mooij

    (Faculty of Economics, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)

  • Sjef Ederveen

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

Abstract

This study aims to explain the variation in empirical estimates in the literature on the elasticity of foreign direct investment with respect to company tax levels. To that end, we extend the meta analysis of De Mooij and Ederveen (2003) by considering an alternative classification of the literature, including new studies that have recently become available, and by paying more systematic attention to various control variables in primary studies. We find that the type of capital data and tax data exert a systematic impact on reported elasticities. Also controlling for openness and agglomeration tendencies appears to significantly affect the elasticity values.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruud A. de Mooij & Sjef Ederveen, 2005. "Explaining the Variation in Empirical Estimates of Tax Elasticities of Foreign Direct Investment," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 05-108/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20050108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Teuta Balliu & Aida Gaçe Llozana, 2015. "Commonalities and differences of tax systems in West Balkan countries Comparative analysis," European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research Articles, Revistia Research and Publishing, vol. 2, January -.
    3. Mian Sajid Nazir & Qaisar Hafeez & Salah U‐Din, 2022. "Did reduction in corporate tax rate attract FDI in Pakistan?," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(2), pages 2256-2267, April.
    4. Chahine, Salim & Dbouk, Wassim & El-Helaly, Moataz, 2021. "M&As and political uncertainty: Evidence from the 2016 US presidential election," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    5. Jost H. Heckemeyer & Michael Overesch, 2017. "Multinationals’ profit response to tax differentials: Effect size and shifting channels," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 50(4), pages 965-994, November.
    6. Hristu-Varsakelis, Dimitrios & Karagianni, Stella & Saraidaris, Anastasios, 2011. "Equilibrium conditions in corporate tax competition and Foreign Direct Investment flows," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 28(1-2), pages 13-21, January.
    7. Marceau, Nicolas, 2008. "La concurrence entre gouvernements est-elle bénéfique?," L'Actualité Economique, Société Canadienne de Science Economique, vol. 84(4), pages 365-390, Décembre.
    8. Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Violeta Vulovic & Yongzheng Liu, 2011. "Direct versus Indirect Taxation: Trends, Theory, and Economic Significance," Chapters, in: Emilio Albi & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez (ed.), The Elgar Guide to Tax Systems, chapter 2, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    9. Doris Prammer, 2011. "Quality of taxation and the crisis: Tax shifts from a growth perspective," Taxation Papers 29, Directorate General Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission.
    10. John Deskins & William Fox, 2008. "Measuring Behavioral Responses to the Property Tax," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper0816, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    11. Teguh Dartanto, 2012. "The 2008 Corporate Income Tax Reform and Its Contribution to Poverty Reduction in Indonesia," Working Papers in Economics and Business 201203, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia, revised Apr 2012.
    12. Hristu-Varsakelis, Dimitrios & Karagianni, Stella & Saraidaris, Anastasios, 2011. "Equilibrium conditions in corporate tax competition and Foreign Direct Investment flows," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 13-21.
    13. Ruud A. de Mooij & Sjef Ederveen, 2006. "What a difference does it make? Understanding the empirical literature on taxation and international capital flows," European Economy - Economic Papers 2008 - 2015 261, Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN), European Commission.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate taxation; Foreign direct investment; meta analysis; semi-elasticity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment
    • F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business
    • H2 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue

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