"We analyze the effects of changes in dividend tax policy using a life-cycle model of the firm, in which new firms first access equity markets, then grow internally, and finally pay dividends when they have reached steady state.In accordance with the traditional view of dividend taxation, new...

Anticipated dividend tax changes, on the other hand, allow firms to engage in inter-temporal tax arbitrage so as to reduce investors' tax burden. This can significantly distort aggregate investment. Anticipated tax cuts (increases) delay (accelerate) firms' dividend payments, which leads them to...

Preface -- Introduction -- The current rules -- More market power, less competition -- The growth of the financial sector -- The "shareholder revolution", the rise of ceo pay, and the squeezing of workers -- Lower taxes for the wealthy -- The end of full-employment monetary policy -- The...