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Assessing the distributional impact of lowering the value-added tax rate for standard-rated items in Tanzania and options for recouping revenue losses

Author

Listed:
  • Elineema Kisanga
  • Vincent Leyaro
  • Wahabi Matengo
  • Michael Noble
  • Helen Barnes
  • Gemma Wright

Abstract

This paper explores the distributional impact of lowering the value-added tax rate for standard-rated items in Tanzania Mainland. Using a static tax-benefit microsimulation model—TAZMOD—which is underpinned by data derived from the Household Budget Survey 2017/18, reductions in value-added taxes from 18 per cent to 17 per cent and 16 per cent are simulated. The revenue losses and impact on poverty are estimated.

Suggested Citation

  • Elineema Kisanga & Vincent Leyaro & Wahabi Matengo & Michael Noble & Helen Barnes & Gemma Wright, 2021. "Assessing the distributional impact of lowering the value-added tax rate for standard-rated items in Tanzania and options for recouping revenue losses," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2021-38, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2021-38
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Christian Ebeke & Helene Ehrhart, 2012. "Tax Revenue Instability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Consequences and Remedies," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 21(1), pages 1-27, January.
    4. André Decoster & Jason Loughrey & Cathal O'Donoghue & Dirk Verwerft, 2010. "How regressive are indirect taxes? A microsimulation analysis for five European countries," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(2), pages 326-350.
    5. Fjeldstad, Odd-Helge & Kagoma, Cecilia & Mdee, Ephraim & Sjursen, Ingrid Hoem & Somville, Vincent, 2020. "The customer is king: Evidence on VAT compliance in Tanzania," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    6. Michael Keen, 2014. "Targeting, cascading and indirect tax design," Indian Growth and Development Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(2), pages 181-201, November.
    7. Asiya Maskaeva & Joel Mmasa & Nicodemas Lema & Mgeni Msafiri, 2019. "The Impact of Fiscal Policy on Income Distribution in Tanzania: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis," Working Papers MPIA 2019-07, PEP-MPIA.
    8. Asiya Maskaeva & Zanda Bochkaeva & Joel Mmasa & Mgeni Msafiri & Eric Iramba, 2019. "Microsimulation analysis of the impact of indirect tax benefits on income distribution and poverty alleviation in Tanzania: An application of TAZMOD," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2019-16, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
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    Keywords

    Value-added tax; Microsimulation; Redistribution; Revenue; Tanzania;
    All these keywords.

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