Tax Compliance and Loss Aversion

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2015
Volume: 7
Issue: 4
Pages: 132-64

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We study if taxpayers are loss averse when filing returns. Preliminary deficits might be viewed as losses assuming zero preliminary balances as reference points. Swedish taxpayers can to try to escape such losses by claiming deductions after receiving information about the preliminary balance. Using a regression kink and discontinuity approach, we study data for 3.6 million Swedish taxpayers for 2006. There are strong causal effects of preliminary tax deficits on the probability of claiming deductions. Compliance will increase and auditing costs will be reduced if preliminary taxes are calibrated so that most taxpayers receive refunds. (JEL H24, H26)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:7:y:2015:i:4:p:132-64
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25