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Taxing Women: A Macroeconomic Analysis

Author

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  • Guner, Nezih

    (CEMFI)

  • Kaygusuz, Remzi

    (Sabanci University)

  • Ventura, Gustavo

    (Arizona State University)

Abstract

Based on well-known evidence on labor supply elasticities, several authors have concluded that women should be taxed at lower rates than men. We evaluate the quantitative implications of taxing women at a lower rate than men. Relative to the current system of taxation, setting a proportional tax rate on married females equal to 4% (8%) increases output and married female labor force participation by about 3.9% (3.4%) and 6.9% (4.0%), respectively. Gender-based taxes improve welfare and are preferred by a majority of households. Nevertheless, welfare gains are higher when the U.S. tax system is replaced by a proportional, gender-neutral income tax.

Suggested Citation

  • Guner, Nezih & Kaygusuz, Remzi & Ventura, Gustavo, 2011. "Taxing Women: A Macroeconomic Analysis," IZA Discussion Papers 5962, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp5962
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    two-earner households; labor force participation; taxation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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