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Social Spending, Taxes and Income Redistribution in Paraguay

Author

Listed:
  • Sean Higgins

    () (Department of Economics, Tulane University)

  • Nora Lustig

    () (Department of Economics, Tulane University)

  • Julio Ramirez

    () (CADEP (Centro de Analisis y Difusion de la Economia Paraguaya))

  • Billy Swanson

    () (Department of Economics, University of California Davis)

Abstract

How much redistribution does Paraguay accomplish through social spending and taxes? How progressive are revenue collection and social spending? Using a standard fiscal incidence analysis, we quantify the reduction in inequality and poverty in Paraguay across income concepts, and contextualize these results by placing Paraguay in comparative perspective with other Latin American countries. Paraguay achieves a relatively small reduction in inequality, even when in-kind education and health benefits are taken into account. Direct taxes are progressive, indirect taxes are regressive, and total taxes are regressive. Social spending is progressive in relative terms, but less so than in any of the other countries analyzed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sean Higgins & Nora Lustig & Julio Ramirez & Billy Swanson, 2013. "Social Spending, Taxes and Income Redistribution in Paraguay," Working Papers 1311, Tulane University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:tul:wpaper:1311
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    File URL: http://repec.tulane.edu/RePEc/pdf/tul1311.pdf
    File Function: First Version, February 2013
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marisa Bucheli & Nora Lustig & Máximo Rossi & Florencia Amábile, 2014. "Social Spending, Taxes, and Income Redistribution in Uruguay," Public Finance Review, , vol. 42(3), pages 413-433, May.
    2. Nora Lustig & Carola Pessino, 2014. "Social Spending and Income Redistribution in Argentina during the 2000s," Public Finance Review, , vol. 42(3), pages 304-325, May.
    3. Pedro H. G. F. de Souza & Rafael G. Osorio & Sergei S. O. Soares, 2011. "Uma Metodologia Para Simular o Programa Bolsa Família," Discussion Papers 1654, Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada - IPEA.
    4. Miguel Jaramillo, 2014. "The Incidence of Social Spending and Taxes in Peru," Public Finance Review, , vol. 42(3), pages 391-412, May.
    5. Nora Lustig & Carola Pessino, 2012. "Social Spending and Income Redistribution in Argentina During the 2000s: the Rising Role of Noncontributory Pensions," Working Papers 1221, Tulane University, Department of Economics.
    6. Sean Higgins & Claudiney Pereira, 2014. "The Effects of Brazil’s Taxation and Social Spending on the Distribution of Household Income," Public Finance Review, , vol. 42(3), pages 346-367, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    More about this item

    Keywords

    inequality; poverty; Paraguay; social spending; taxes;

    JEL classification:

    • H22 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Incidence
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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