Optimal Taxation with Behavioral Agents

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2020
Volume: 110
Issue: 1
Pages: 298-336

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

This paper develops a theory of optimal taxation with behavioral agents. We use a general framework that encompasses a wide range of biases such as misperceptions and internalities. We revisit the three pillars of optimal taxation: Ramsey (linear commodity taxation to raise revenues and redistribute), Pigou (linear commodity taxation to correct externalities) and Mirrlees (nonlinear income taxation). We show how the canonical optimal tax formulas are modified and lead to novel economic insights. We also show how to incorporate nudges in the optimal taxation framework, and jointly characterize optimal taxes and nudges.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:110:y:2020:i:1:p:298-336
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25