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On the optimal tax policy mix when consumers and firms are imperfectly mobile

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  • Genser, Bernd
  • Haufler, Andreas

Abstract

An optimal taxation approach is employed to discuss the interaction between factor and commodity taxes for a small open economy when both profit-earning firms and domestic consumers are imperfectly mobile internationally. In this framework, we demonstrate two main results: first, a destination-based commodity tax dominates an origin-based VAT from an efficiency perspective since the first is an independent instrument in the presence of non-wage income, whereas the latter can be duplicated by an appropriate combination of wage and (cash-flow) profit taxation. Second, with mobility costs for firms the optimal profit tax is positive even if the location of firms imposes no social costs on the small country. Simulation results show how the optimal mix of wage, profit and consumption taxes depends on key model parameters.

Suggested Citation

  • Genser, Bernd & Haufler, Andreas, 1997. "On the optimal tax policy mix when consumers and firms are imperfectly mobile," Discussion Papers, Series II 330, University of Konstanz, Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 178 "Internationalization of the Economy".
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:kondp2:330
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Andreas Haufler, 1996. "Optimal factor and commodity taxation in a small open economy," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 3(3), pages 425-442, July.
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    12. Bernd Genser & Andreas Haufler & Peter Birch Soerensen, "undated". "Indirect Taxation in an Integrated Europe. Is there a Way of Avoiding Trade Distortions Without Sacrificing National Tax Autonomy?," EPRU Working Paper Series 93-02, Economic Policy Research Unit (EPRU), University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wolfgang Eggert & Bernd Genser, 2001. "Is Tax Harmonization Useful?," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 8(4), pages 511-527, August.
    2. Wolfram Richter, 2000. "An Efficiency Analysis of Consumption and Production Taxation with an Application to Value-Added Taxation," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 7(1), pages 23-41, February.
    3. Wolfgang Eggert & Laszlo Goerke, "undated". "Fiscal Policy, Economic Integration and Unemployment," EPRU Working Paper Series 02-05, Economic Policy Research Unit (EPRU), University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • H73 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Interjurisdictional Differentials and Their Effects
    • R30 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - General

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