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The Theory of Optimal Taxation: What is the Policy Relevance?

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  • Peter Birch Sørensen

    (Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

The paper discusses the implications of optimal tax theory for the debates on uniform commodity taxation and neutral capital income taxation. While strong administrative and political economy arguments in favor of uniform and neutral taxation remain, recent advances in optimal tax theory suggest that the information needed to implement the differentiated taxation prescribed by optimal tax theory may be easier to obtain than previously believed. The paper also points to the strong similarity between optimal commodity tax rules and the rules for optimal source-based capital income taxation.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Birch Sørensen, 2006. "The Theory of Optimal Taxation: What is the Policy Relevance?," EPRU Working Paper Series 06-07, Economic Policy Research Unit (EPRU), University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:epruwp:06-07
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    Cited by:

    1. Stoian Tanchev, 2016. "Consumer tax system of Bulgaria in terms of economic growth and crisis," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 4, pages 85-105,106-.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    optimal taxation; uniform taxation; tax neutrality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies

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