Taxes and Employment Subsidies in Optimal Redistribution Programs

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2009
Volume: 99
Issue: 1
Pages: 216-42

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper explores how to optimally set taxes and transfers when taxation authorities are uninformed about individuals' value of time in both market and nonmarket activities; and can observe both market-income and time allocated to market employment. We show that optimal redistribution in this environment involves a cutoff wage whereby workers above the cutoff are taxed as they increase their income, while workers earning a wage below the cutoff receive an income supplement as they increase their income. Finally, we show that the optimal program transfers zero income to individuals who choose not to work. 1JEL D31, H21, H23, H242

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:99:y:2009:i:1:p:216-42
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24