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Static and Dynamic Mirrleesian Taxation with Non-separable Preferences: A Unified Approach

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  • Hellwig, Christian

Abstract

I analyze dynamic Mirrlees taxation with preferences that are non-separable between con- sumption, leisure and type, which determines both ability and consumption needs. I show how to account for non-separable preferences through a simple change in probability measures. I ge- neralize the existing Inverse Euler Equation and optimal static labor tax formulae and provide a unied intuition based on a set of perturbations around the optimal allocations that preserve expected utility and incentive compatibility. Non-separability in preferences gives rise to a new tradeo between current and future redistribution that is internalized by the planner's solution but not by private savings decisions. This leads to a novel rationale to subsidize (tax) savings and make labor taxes more (less) persistent, when more productive agents also have higher (lower) consumption needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hellwig, Christian, 2021. "Static and Dynamic Mirrleesian Taxation with Non-separable Preferences: A Unified Approach," TSE Working Papers 21-1224, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    • Handle: RePEc:tse:wpaper:125745
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hellwig, Martin F., 2007. "A contribution to the theory of optimal utilitarian income taxation," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(7-8), pages 1449-1477, August.
    2. Sebastian Koehne, 2018. "On The Taxation Of Durable Goods," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 59(2), pages 825-857, May.
    3. Narayana R. Kocherlakota, 2005. "Zero Expected Wealth Taxes: A Mirrlees Approach to Dynamic Optimal Taxation," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 73(5), pages 1587-1621, September.
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    5. Emmanuel Saez, 2001. "Using Elasticities to Derive Optimal Income Tax Rates," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 68(1), pages 205-229.
    6. Koehne, Sebastian & Kuhn, Moritz, 2015. "Optimal taxation in a habit formation economy," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 31-39.
    7. Grochulski, Borys & Kocherlakota, Narayana, 2010. "Nonseparable preferences and optimal social security systems," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 145(6), pages 2055-2077, November.
    8. Marek Kapicka, 2013. "Efficient Allocations in Dynamic Private Information Economies with Persistent Shocks: A First-Order Approach," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 80(3), pages 1027-1054.
    9. Andrew Atkeson & Robert E. Lucas, 1992. "On Efficient Distribution With Private Information," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 59(3), pages 427-453.
    10. Diamond, Peter A, 1998. "Optimal Income Taxation: An Example with a U-Shaped Pattern of Optimal Marginal Tax Rates," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 88(1), pages 83-95, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hellwig, Christian & Werquin, Nicolas, 2022. "A Fair Day's Pay for a Fair Day's Work: Optimal Tax Design as Redistributional Arbitrage," CEPR Discussion Papers 16863, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Brendon, C., 2022. "Optimal Nonlinear Savings Taxation," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2221, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    3. Hellwig, Christian & Werquin, Nicolas, 2022. "Using Consumption Data to Derive Optimal Income and Capital Tax Rates," TSE Working Papers 22-1284, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE), revised Jan 2026.
    4. Alexander W. Bloedel & R. Vijay Krishna & Oksana Leukhina, 2025. "Insurance and Inequality With Persistent Private Information," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 93(3), pages 821-857, May.
    5. Maideu-Morera, Gerard, 2024. "Firm Size and Compensation Dynamics with Risk Aversion and Persistent Private Information," TSE Working Papers 24-1535, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    6. repec:cam:camjip:2210 is not listed on IDEAS

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