The Redistributive Impact of Alternative Income Maintenance Schemes: A Microsimulation Study using Swiss Data

Taking a benchmark scenario, the current situation in Switzerland, and using a microsimulation technique, we compare the effectiveness of various income maintenance schemes for reducing inequality and poverty. A full negative income tax allowance designed to eliminate poverty, is shown to reduce income inequality most drastically. An integrated federal linear tax rate of 62% is required to make it viable. Aggregate work hours are reduced by approximately 10% and average disposable income falls by 9.3% under such circumstances. A participation income restricted to adults in employment and covering 50% of subsistence costs is however shown to result in an unambiguous social welfare improvement over the current situation in Switzerland. (Revised in July 2007)