Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/85841 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2002
Series/Report no.: 
Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper No. 02-044/2
Publisher: 
Tinbergen Institute, Amsterdam and Rotterdam
Abstract: 
We study optimal linear income taxation in a model with heterogeneous agents where earnings potentials are endogenously determined through human capital accumulation. Agents differ in initial conditions and ability to learn. Capital market imperfections prevent poor agents to invest optimally in human capital. We show that optimal linear tax rates on human capital are positive, even in absence of redistributive preferences of the government. A more progressive tax system has efficiency gains because credit constraints are relaxed. Numerical calculations show that optimal linear tax rates are significantly increased when capital market imperfections are present.
Subjects: 
optimal linear taxation
human capital
credit constraints
JEL: 
H21
H23
J24
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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