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Can COVID-19 Induce Governments to Implement Tax Reforms in Developing Countries?

Author

Listed:
  • Sanjeev Gupta

    (Center for Global Development)

  • João Tovar Jalles

    (Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Lisbon)

Abstract

We estimate that the short to medium-term fiscal impact of previous pandemics has been significant in 170 countries (including low-income countries) during the 2000-2018 period. The impact has varied, with pandemics affecting government expenditures more than revenues in advanced economies, while the converse applies to developing countries. Using a subset of 45 developing countries for which tax reform data are available, we find that past pandemics have propelled countries to implement tax reforms, particularly in corporate income taxes, excises and property taxation. Pandemics do not drive revenue administration reforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanjeev Gupta & João Tovar Jalles, 2021. "Can COVID-19 Induce Governments to Implement Tax Reforms in Developing Countries?," Working Papers 567, Center for Global Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:cgd:wpaper:567
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    Cited by:

    1. Sena Kimm Gnangnon, 2023. "Effect of the Shadow Economy on Tax Reform in Developing Countries," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-49, March.
    2. Maya Hammad & Fabianna Bacil & Fábio Veras Soares, 2021. "Next Practices—Innovations in the COVID-19 social protection responses and beyond," Research Report 60, International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth.
    3. Sorin-Ciprian Teiusan & Dorina Plescaci, 2022. "An Insight Into Research Of Tax And Fiscal Policy In Response To Covid-19 Crisis," Annals - Economy Series, Constantin Brancusi University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 2, pages 37-47, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fiscal policy; pandemics; local projection; impulse response functions; tax reforms; binary choice models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C36 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General

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