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Efficiency of Optimal Taxation in a Dynamic Stochastic Environment: Case of South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Jacques Kibambe Ngoie

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria)

  • Niek Schoeman

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria)

Abstract

This study investigates the optimality hypothesis of taxation and the volatility thereof in South Africa when using appropriate tax rates within a dynamic stochastic environment. Using a Marshallian macroeconomic model disaggregated by sectors (MMM-DA) several features of the South African economy are analysed that may contribute to the efficiency of the optimal taxation hypothesis. The results show that within a tax regime where revenue from labour and capital income constitutes the most significant source of government income, both such taxes distort the economy but that the distortion from a tax on capital exceeds that of a tax on income. This study has twofold implications. It highlights the impact of efficient optimal taxation on both overall economic growth and fiscal policy in the country.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacques Kibambe Ngoie & Niek Schoeman, 2012. "Efficiency of Optimal Taxation in a Dynamic Stochastic Environment: Case of South Africa," Working Papers 201218, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pre:wpaper:201218
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Barro, Robert J & Sahasakul, Chaipat, 1983. "Measuring the Average Marginal Tax Rate from the Individual Income Tax," The Journal of Business, University of Chicago Press, vol. 56(4), pages 419-452, October.
    2. Bizer, David S & Judd, Kenneth L, 1989. "Taxation and Uncertainty," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 79(2), pages 331-336, May.
    3. Judd, Kenneth L., 1985. "Redistributive taxation in a simple perfect foresight model," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 59-83, October.
    4. Andrew B. Abel, 2007. "Optimal Capital Income Taxation," NBER Working Papers 13354, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Barro, Robert J, 1979. "On the Determination of the Public Debt," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 87(5), pages 940-971, October.
    6. Lucas, Robert Jr. & Stokey, Nancy L., 1983. "Optimal fiscal and monetary policy in an economy without capital," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 12(1), pages 55-93.
    7. Barro, Robert J. & Sahasakul, Chaipat, 1983. "Measuring the Average Marginal Tax Rates from Social Security and the Individual Income Tax," Working Papers 29, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Optimality hypothesis; Dynamic stochastic environment; Marshallian macroeconomic model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation

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