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Nonresponse and measurement errors in income: matching individual survey data with administrative tax data

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  • Michele Lalla
  • Maddalena Cavicchioli

Abstract

A (local) survey on income carried out in the city of Modena in 2002 generated four categories of units: interviewees, refusals, noncontacts, and sometimes unused reserves. In this study, all units were matched with their corresponding records in the Ministry of Finance 2002 databases for fiscal incomes of 2001 and the 2001 Census. Considering all four categories, participation increased by education level and activity status, while it decreased among low or high incomes. Considering interviewees only, over- and underreporting, as well as measurement errors, were investigated by comparing the surveyed income with fiscal income. Age and level of income were the main covariates affecting the behaviours of taxpayers.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Lalla & Maddalena Cavicchioli, 2020. "Nonresponse and measurement errors in income: matching individual survey data with administrative tax data," Department of Economics 0170, University of Modena and Reggio E., Faculty of Economics "Marco Biagi".
    • Handle: RePEc:mod:depeco:0170
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maddalena Cavicchioli & Michele Lalla, 2022. "Evidences from survey data and fiscal data: nonresponse and measurement errors in annual incomes," Statistical Methods & Applications, Springer;Società Italiana di Statistica, vol. 31(3), pages 587-615, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fiscal income; surveyed income; unit nonresponse; response bias; fiscal under-reporting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C46 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Specific Distributions
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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