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Gun Taxes and Homicide Rates

Author

Listed:
  • Joseph G. Eisenhauer

    (University of Detroit Mercy)

Abstract

Rising gun violence throughout the United States has led to calls for increased taxes on firearms, but no research has yet quantified the potential effects of taxation on firearm-related deaths. The present paper exploits a recent simulation of gun purchasing and homicide rates in a large metropolitan area, along with recent empirical estimates of the price elasticities of supply and demand for firearms, to estimate the impact that gun taxes could have on homicide rates. Additionally, we consider how the resulting tax revenue could be used as a complementary policy instrument to further reduce gun-related homicides.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph G. Eisenhauer, 2025. "Gun Taxes and Homicide Rates," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 51(2), pages 225-245, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:51:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1057_s41302-025-00297-6
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-025-00297-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Taxation; Firearms; Homicides; Price floor; Gun buyback;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • L64 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Other Machinery; Business Equipment; Armaments

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