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Did the 2001 Tax Rebate Stimulate Spending? Evidence from Taxpayer Surveys

In: Tax Policy and the Economy, Volume 17

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  • Matthew D. Shapiro
  • Joel Slemrod

Abstract

In 2001, many households received rebate checks as advanced payments of the benefit of the new, 10 percent federal income tax bracket. A survey conducted at the time the rebates were mailed finds that few households said that the rebate led them mostly to increase spending. A follow-up survey in 2002, as well as a similar survey conducted after the attacks of 9/11, also indicates low spending rates. This paper investigates the robustness of these survey responses and assesses whether such surveys are useful for policy evaluation. It also draws lessons from the surveys for macroeconomic analysis of the tax rebate.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew D. Shapiro & Joel Slemrod, 2003. "Did the 2001 Tax Rebate Stimulate Spending? Evidence from Taxpayer Surveys," NBER Chapters, in: Tax Policy and the Economy, Volume 17, pages 83-110, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:11535
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Melvin Stephens Jr., 2003. ""3rd of tha Month": Do Social Security Recipients Smooth Consumption Between Checks?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(1), pages 406-422, March.
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    7. Parcell, Ann D., 1999. "Challenges and Uncertainties in Forecasting Federal Individual Income Tax Receipts," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association, vol. 52(n. 3), pages 325-38, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household

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