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How does flexible tax enforcement affect TFP? China’s exceptional approach

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  • Zhu, Jun
  • Yang, Zhiwei

Abstract

To explore the relationship between flexible tax enforcement and enterprises’ business decisions, we use a difference-in-differences (DID) model to investigate the impact of flexible tax enforcement on enterprises’ TFP through China’s tax credit grading system. The findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, flexible tax enforcement will enhance the TFP of A-grade taxpayers. Secondly, two mechanisms exist to improve firms’ TFP through flexible tax enforcement. One is to stimulate enterprises to carry out R&D and innovation, and the other is to enhance the long-term awareness of managers. Finally, the promotion effect of flexible tax enforcement on non-state-owned enterprises is greater than on state-owned enterprises, and the effect on total factor productivity is more pronounced in areas of high fiscal pressure.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Jun & Yang, Zhiwei, 2024. "How does flexible tax enforcement affect TFP? China’s exceptional approach," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:94:y:2024:i:c:s1049007824000903
    DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2024.101795
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Flexible tax enforcement; Total factor productivity; Tax credit grading system;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H29 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Other
    • H32 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Firm
    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • P35 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Public Finance

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