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The effect of tax withholding on pre-retirement savings withdrawals: evidence from Canada

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  • MESSACAR, DEREK

Abstract

This study assesses the effect of tax withholding on pre-retirement withdrawals from a tax-preferred savings account in Canada. Using a large sample of administrative tax records and exploiting inter-provincial variation in tax withholding rates over time in the identification, the withdrawal elasticity to the net-of-tax withholding rate is estimated to be approximately 0.40 for many prime-aged savers. Hence, tax withholding discourages pre-retirement savings withdrawals and serves as a de facto savings commitment device. This finding is not well-explained by rational agency, and theories of present-biased time preferences and fiscal illusion are shown to be a better explanation of such behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Messacar, Derek, 2018. "The effect of tax withholding on pre-retirement savings withdrawals: evidence from Canada," Journal of Pension Economics and Finance, Cambridge University Press, vol. 17(4), pages 534-553, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jpenef:v:17:y:2018:i:04:p:534-553_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Derek Messacar, 2022. "Loss-Averse Tax Manipulation and Tax-Preferred Savings," Cahiers de recherche / Working Papers 8, Institut sur la retraite et l'épargne / Retirement and Savings Institute.
    2. Fang, Tony & Messacar, Derek, 2019. "Voluntary Job Separations and Traditional versus Flexible Workplace Saving Plans: Evidence from Canada," IZA Discussion Papers 12262, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Messacar, Derek, 2023. "Loss-averse tax manipulation and tax-preferred savings," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 257-278.
    4. Blaufus, Kay & Milde, Michael & Schaefer, Marcel, 2022. "Saving at tax time: Do additional retroactive savings opportunities increase retirement savings?," arqus Discussion Papers in Quantitative Tax Research 272, arqus - Arbeitskreis Quantitative Steuerlehre.

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