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Fair Inheritance Taxation in the Presence of Tax Planning

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  • Wrede, Matthias

Abstract

This paper analyzes to what extent tax planning impacts on the level of the inheritance tax rate perceived as fair. In a factorial survey conducted in Germany it finds out that tax planning increases the fair tax rate by roughly 4 percentage points. The fair tax rate is not only determined by the size of the bequest, the relationship of the heir to the bequeather, and the type of bequest, but also by the perceived intentions of the bequeather. The families with social motives should be taxed less than those without. The paper looks for support in optimum-tax theory. To this end, it develops a simple model that shows that taxation should not prevent individuals with warm-glow-of-giving motives to contribute substantially more to the social good than individuals without these motives.

Suggested Citation

  • Wrede, Matthias, 2013. "Fair Inheritance Taxation in the Presence of Tax Planning," VfS Annual Conference 2013 (Duesseldorf): Competition Policy and Regulation in a Global Economic Order 79731, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc13:79731
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    Cited by:

    1. James R. Hines & Niklas Potrafke & Marina Riem & Christoph Schinke, 2019. "Inter vivos transfers of ownership in family firms," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 26(2), pages 225-256, April.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies
    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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