Optimum taxation of inheritances

Inheritances create a second distinguishing characteristic of individuals, in addition to earning abilities. We incorporate this fact into an optimum income taxation model with bequests motivated by joy of giving, and show that a tax on inherited wealth is equivalent to a tax on expenditures, i. e. to a uniform tax on consumption plus bequests. These taxes have a positive effect on intertemporal welfare of the inheriting and future generations if, on average, high-able individuals inherit more wealth than low-able. Welfare of the bequeathing generation is affected negatively by an inheritance tax but not by an expenditure tax. -- optimum taxation ; inheritance taxation