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Entrepreneurship and the Gig Economy: Evidence from U.S. Tax Returns

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew R. Denes
  • Spyridon Lagaras
  • Margarita Tsoutsoura

Abstract

Platform intermediation of goods and services has considerably transformed the U.S. economy. We use administrative data on U.S. tax returns to study the role of the gig economy on entrepreneurship. We find that gig workers are more likely to become entrepreneurs, particularly those who are lower income, younger, and benefit from flexibility. We track all newly created firms and show that gig workers start firms in similar industries as their gig experience, which are less likely to survive and demonstrate higher performance. Overall, our findings suggest on-the-job learning promotes entrepreneurial entry and shifts the types of firms started by entrepreneurs.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew R. Denes & Spyridon Lagaras & Margarita Tsoutsoura, 2025. "Entrepreneurship and the Gig Economy: Evidence from U.S. Tax Returns," NBER Working Papers 33347, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33347
    Note: CF PR
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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