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The efficiency and welfare effects of tax reform: are fewer tax brackets better than more?

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  • David E. Altig
  • Charles T. Carlstrom

Abstract

A comparison of a simple two-bracket income tax code with an approximation to traditional structures that entail steeply rising marginal tax rates, showing that the simpler rate structures are not necessarily more efficient than alternatives with many, highly progressive brackets.

Suggested Citation

  • David E. Altig & Charles T. Carlstrom, 1994. "The efficiency and welfare effects of tax reform: are fewer tax brackets better than more?," Economic Review, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, vol. 30(Q IV), pages 30-42.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedcer:y:1994:i:qiv:p:30-42:n:v.30no.4
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    1. Auerbach, Alan J & Kotlikoff, Laurence J & Skinner, Jonathan, 1983. "The Efficiency Gains from Dynamic Tax Reform," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 24(1), pages 81-100, February.
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    7. Killingsworth, Mark R. & Heckman, James J., 1987. "Female labor supply: A survey," Handbook of Labor Economics, in: O. Ashenfelter & R. Layard (ed.), Handbook of Labor Economics, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 2, pages 103-204, Elsevier.
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    Cited by:

    1. Arindam Das-Gupta & Ira Gang, 2000. "Decomposing Revenue Effects of Tax Evasion and Tax Structure Changes," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 7(2), pages 177-194, March.

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