The Theory of Optimal Taxation: New Developments and Policy Relevance

Research output: Working paper

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Abstract

The theory of optimal taxation has often been criticized for being of little practical policy relevance, due to a lack of robust theoretical results. This paper argues that recent advances in optimal tax theory has made that theory easier to apply and may help to explain some current trends in international tax policy. Covering the taxation of labour income and capital income as well as indirect taxation, the paper also illustrates how some of the key results in optimal tax theory may be derived in a simple, heuristic manner.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherEconomic Policy Research Unit. Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen
Number of pages32
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • uniform taxation
  • tax neutrality

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