Subsidization policy is intensively discussed in Germany. The paper demonstrates the extent of subsidization in Germany. Subsidies are defined as the sum of tax expenditures and those government expenditures which distort the structure of the economy; financial aid is granted to different...

It is often proposed that capital income tax rates be harmonized. Otherwise, a “race to the bottom” will occur and lead to governments not being able to perform their usual tasks. However, the development of corporate income tax revenues in relation to GDP does not indicate that a race to...

The financial status of the unemployment insurance system in Germany has improved markedly since 2005. Some reform measures and the upswing of the economy are the most important reasons for the favorable development. It is hotly debated how to use the surplus of the Federal Labor Agency....

This paper argues that the large reduction in corporate tax rates and only gradual widening of tax bases in many countries over the last decades are consistent with tougher international competition for foreign direct investment (FDI). To make this point we develop a model in which governments...

Tax expenditures are granted for a variety of purposes in Germany. The paper presents data on the extent and the structure of the tax expenditures in the period 2005 to 2012. Tax expenditures will be reduced somewhat in the period 2005–2012. They should be cut further in order to increase...

Tax expenditures are granted for a variety of purposes in Germany. They were significantly reduced in December 2003. After the general election in 2005, additional reductions of the tax expenditures were decided upon; however, new measures were introduced, too. The paper presents data on the...

The paper presents data on the taxation of business income in the Federal Republic of Germany in the nineties. The government's plan to reform the system of taxing corporate and personal income is portrayed and assessed. It turns out that the reform proposal has numerous disadvantages; it is...

The paper includes data on the taxation of wage income (labor income tax and contributions to social security) and capital income in the Federal Republic of Germany. Average tax rates and marginal tax rates for typical wage income earners are shown for the 1977–1999 period; average tax rates...

Tax expenditures are granted for a variety of purposes in Germany. They were significantly reduced in December 2003. After the general election in 2005, additional reductions of the tax expenditures were decided upon; however, new measures were introduced, too. The paper presents data on the...

Despite several income tax rate reductions in Germany, tax reform measures are proposed by several parties and by specific research groups. The intention is to lower marginal income tax rates substantially and at the same time to reduce or even to abolish tax expenditures. The major proposals...