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Generalized compensation principle

Author

Listed:
  • Schulz, Karl

    (Department of Economics, University of St. Gallen)

  • Tsyvinski, Aleh

    (Department of Economics, Yale University)

  • Werquin, Nicolas

    (Research Department, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)

Abstract

Economic disruptions generally create winners and losers. The compensation problem consists of designing a reform of the existing income tax system that offsets the welfare losses of the latter by redistributing the gains of the former. We derive a formula for the compensating tax reform and its impact on the government budget when only distortionary tax instruments are available and wages are determined endogenously in general equilibrium. We apply this result to the compensation of robotization in the U.S.

Suggested Citation

  • Schulz, Karl & Tsyvinski, Aleh & Werquin, Nicolas, 2023. "Generalized compensation principle," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 18(4), November.
    • Handle: RePEc:the:publsh:3971
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Janeba, Eckhard & Schulz, Karl, 2023. "Nonlinear taxation and international mobility in general equilibrium," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Compensation principle; distortionary taxation; general equilibrium; wage disruption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household
    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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