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Implications of Tax Loss Asymmetry for Owners of S Corporations

Author

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  • Lucas Goodman
  • Elena Patel
  • Molly Saunders-Scott

Abstract

We study tax loss asymmetry for S corporate owners. These owners use most losses contemporaneously, reducing the tax asymmetry compared to C corporations. However, these owners face distortions due to the progressive individual tax schedule. The value of this asymmetry is approximately $3.5 billion per year. We find that this asymmetry creates disincentives for risky investment and causes allocative inefficiencies among loss and gains owners. Finally, we simulate the effects of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; we estimate that these provisions—especially section 199A—reduce the behavioral distortions of the asymmetry for S corporate owners.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas Goodman & Elena Patel & Molly Saunders-Scott, 2023. "Implications of Tax Loss Asymmetry for Owners of S Corporations," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 15(1), pages 342-369, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:342-69
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20200311
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • H32 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Firm
    • K34 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Tax Law

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