The line between normative and positive economic analysis is, supposedly, a sharp one. The former allows for value judgments, the latter does not. This distinction is mentioned in all basic texts in our profession, and in all introductory courses. Then, all too often, such as in the present...

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of capital taxation in advanced economies with a focus on the Swedish experience. We synthesize the existing theoretical literature, present facts about the capital stock and its distribution, review current capital tax practices and...

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of capital taxation in advanced economies with a focus on the Swedish experience. We synthesize the existing theoretical literature, present facts about the capital stock and its distribution, review current capital tax practices and...

We introduce intergenerational transfers into a general equilihrium life-cycle model in order to explain observed levels of wealth heterogeneity. In our overlapping generations model, heterogenous agents face uncertain lifetime and leave both accidental and voluntary bequests to their cinldren....

In a recent representative survey, German citizens are asked whether or not inherited wealth beyond a certain amount should be taxed. Almost 60 percent stated that it should not be taxed. We use this survey to identify the factors that drive this fundamental opposition against the taxation of...

This paper examines the role of bequests and of taxation on bequests for the distribution of wealth. We investigate a model with overlapping generations and heterogenous households where parents derive utility directly from their bequests. Using the coefficient of variation as the measure of...

We study the effect of bequests and their taxation on wealth inequality. We allow for random death and birth in a continuous-time, dynastic framework. Individuals behave optimally and accumulate wealth over their lifetime. Bequests above a tax exemption threshold are taxed according to a fixed...

A prevalent misconception is that deferral of tax is beneficial because the taxpayer may invest and reinvest the dollars that ultimately will pass to the government and make more money on those dollars than if payment was not deferred. This series of articles reveals that this...