Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/168333 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
ZEW Discussion Papers No. 17-032
Publisher: 
Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW), Mannheim
Abstract: 
The elasticities of taxable (ETI) and broad income (EBI) are key parameters in optimal tax and welfare analysis. To examine the large variation in estimates found in the literature, I conduct a comprehensive meta-regression analysis of elasticities that measure behavioral responses to income taxation using information from 51 different studies containing 1,420 estimates. I find that heterogeneity in reported estimates is driven by regression techniques, sample restrictions and variations across countries and time. Moreover, I provide descriptive evidence of the correlation between contextual factors and the magnitude of an elasticity estimate. Overall, the study confirms the fact that the ETI itself is endogenous to the underlying tax system. I also document that selective reporting bias is prevalent in the literature. The direction of reporting bias depends on whether or not deductions are included in the tax base.
Subjects: 
elasticity of taxable income
income tax
behavioral response
meta-regression analysis
JEL: 
C81
H24
H26
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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