Progressive taxation structure progressively increases the percentage of a citizen's income which is paid in tax as income increases. In progressive taxation the consequence should be that the more well off are taxed at a higher rate than are the less well off. Progressive taxation takes into account the ability to pay. Progressive taxes reduces the tax incidence of people with a lower ability-to-pay, as they shift the incidence increasingly to those with a higher ability-to-pay. In progressive taxation people with more disposable income pay a higher percentage of their income in tax than do those with less income.
Flat Tax refers to income being taxed at one marginal rate, in contrast with Progressive Taxation. In between regressive taxation and progressive taxation is Proportional Taxation, where the tax rate is fixed as the amount subject to taxation increases. Regressive taxation is the opposite of a progressive taxation. In regressive tax the tax rate decreases as the amount subject to taxation increases. High levels progressive taxes could encourage emigration since taxes are not internationally harmonized. High earners relocate in order to pay less tax, or find tax havens for their income.
Productivity Gains From Progressive Taxation of Labor Earnings -
Iourii Manovskii.
Abstract. I show that, in the absence of complete insurance markets, progressive taxation
of labor income may provide productivity and welfare gains as compared to a
revenue-equivalent proportional tax. In order to increase income in the future,
individuals have to forgo income today by accepting lower wages while accumulating
human
capital or when destroying specific human capital in order to build it elsewhere. I first
show analytically that a progressive tax system encourages people to make these temporary
sacrifices despite the increased tax burden when wages are high.
The Conservative Case for Progressive Taxation - MARK HOOSE. Abstract: This article explores whether conservatives, in particular classical or institutional conservatives, should support the radical tax reform currently being promoted by various elements of the Republican party, or should instead support continuation of progressive income taxation. The article compares the current system and the proposed consumption-based reforms based on the main tenents of classical conservative thought as set forth by Russell Kirk. The article argues that the progressive income tax is consistent with natural law; that it does not in practice promote a narrowing uniformity or a classeless society; and that it does not destroy private property to any significantly greater extent than any other form of taxation.
Why Happiness?: A
Commentary on Griffith's Progressive Taxation and Happiness -
DIANE M. RING.
Abstract: This Commentary examines three issues raised in Professor Thomas G. Griffith's
Article on the connection between progressive taxation and subjective well-being.
After arguing that the progressive taxation debate would benefit
from further exploration of why happiness is the appropriate measure of success. This Commentary notes
that studies of income and happiness may inform tax policy design by helping to determine
the appropriate balance between taxes and expenditures, outlining a role for the
government in informing taxpayer's perceptions of happiness, and focusing additional
research necessary for an effective progressive taxation policy.
Progressive taxation and wage setting when unions strategically interact
Giorgio Brunello, Department of Economics, University of Padova.
Daniela Sonedda, University of Piemonte Orientale.
Abstract In a multisector economy with unionized labor markets, the interdependence of
union wage claims—typical of industrial bargaining—affects the relationship
between tax progressivity and wage pressure, which varies in a nonlinear fashion with the
nature of the wage bargain, and can be hump-shaped.
Attitudes towards Tax Reform and Progressive Taxation: Sweden 1991-96
Jonas Edlund, Department of Sociology, Umea University, Sweden.
One of the most debated elements of the Social Democratic reform of the Swedish tax system
was the lowered income tax rate, which mainly affected the upper tax brackets. Support is more prevalent among more affluent social strata and
those affiliated with Bourgeoisie parties compared to workers, low- income earners and
those with left-wing preferences. Following attitudinal developments in the aftermath of
the tax reform, social conflicts - mainly structured along class dimensions - as well as
demands for tax progression tended to increase between 1991 and 1996.
Progressive Taxation, Moral Hazard, and Entrepreneurship
Christian Keuschnigg and Soren Bo Nielsen.
Abstract: This paper considers the general equilibrium and welfare effects of a
linear progressive income tax with entrepreneurship and moral hazard. A progressive tax always impairs entrepreneurship while
the effect on welfare can be positive or zero, depending on the specification of moral
hazard.