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The effects of income taxation on severance pay

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  • Goerke, Laszlo
  • Pannenberg, Markus

Abstract

Severance pay often results from a bargain between the firm and the employee to avoid or terminate a legal conflict. We theoretically investigate how income taxation affects these negotiations. Using panel data from West Germany and exploiting a change in tax law in 1999, we find that a higher income tax on severance pay reduces the probability of obtaining it and - in some specifications - also lowers its amount. Our results imply overshifting of the increase in the tax burden.

Suggested Citation

  • Goerke, Laszlo & Pannenberg, Markus, 2009. "The effects of income taxation on severance pay," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(1), pages 107-118, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:16:y:2009:i:1:p:107-118
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    1. Goerke, Laszlo & Pannenberg, Markus, 2010. "An economic analysis of dismissal legislation: Determinants of severance pay in West Germany," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 71-85, March.
    2. Fabienne Llense, 2009. "Taxes on severance pay, corporate governance and golden handshakes," Post-Print halshs-00441911, HAL.
    3. Berger, Helge & Neugart, Michael, 2011. "Labor courts, nomination bias, and unemployment in Germany," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 659-673.
    4. Deffains, Bruno & Gabuthy, Yannick & Lambert, Eve-Angéline, 2010. "Labour disputes, investment decisions and the judiciary," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 424-433, April.
    5. Goerke Laszlo & Pannenberg Markus, 2011. "'Take It or Go to Court': The Impact of Sec. 1a of the German Protection Against Dismissal Act on Severance Payments," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 7(2), pages 377-404, December.

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