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Optimal fiscal policy with labor selection

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  • Chugh, Sanjay K.
  • Lechthaler, Wolfgang
  • Merkl, Christian

Abstract

This paper characterizes long-run and short-run optimal fiscal policy in the labor selection framework. In a calibrated non-Ramsey decentralized equilibrium, labor market volatility is inefficient. Keeping fixed the structural parameters, the Ramsey government achieves efficient labor market volatility; doing so requires labor-income tax volatility that is orders of magnitude larger than the tax-smoothing results based on Walrasian labor markets, but a few times smaller than the results based on search and matching markets. We analytically characterize selection-modelconsistent wedges and inefficiencies in order to understand optimal tax volatility.

Suggested Citation

  • Chugh, Sanjay K. & Lechthaler, Wolfgang & Merkl, Christian, 2016. "Optimal fiscal policy with labor selection," Kiel Working Papers 2030, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:2030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kohlbrecher, Britta & Merkl, Christian, 2016. "Business Cycle Asymmetries and the Labor Market," IZA Discussion Papers 9816, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Kohlbrecher, Britta & Merkl, Christian, 2016. "Business Cycle Asymmetries and the Labor Market," IZA Discussion Papers 9816, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor market frictions; hiring costs; efficiency; optimal taxation; labor wedge; zero intertemporal distortions;

    JEL classification:

    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E50 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - General
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy
    • E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General

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