Wage Dispersion and Efficiency. It is often assumed that markets generate efficient allocations, but these are not necessarily fair. The widening of wage differentials that is currently observed is interpreted in this manner: Skill-biased technological progress increases demand for skilled work...

This volume was prepared by Sebastian Benz while he was working at the Ifo Institute. It was completed in December 2013 and accepted as a doctoral thesis by the Department of Economics at the University of Munich. It includes five self-contained chapters. All chapters discuss different...

Wegen der unübersichtlichen Datenlage, der schleppenden Steuerabführung und Hemmnissen beim verwaltungstechnischen Inkasso wird eine der Realität einigermaßen gerecht werdende Steuerschätzung einschließlich der DDR erst dann möglich sein, wenn effektive Aufkommensdaten von dort vorliegen....

Es gibt im bestehenden Steuersystem eine beträchtliche Anzahl von Einzelregelungen, die tendenziell ökologisch unerwünschtes Verhalten begünstigen. Das deutsche Steuersystem verfolgt praktisch keine ökologischen Ziele. Eine Analyse der Einzelregelungen ergab, daß zwar nur einige wenige,...

This paper presents an overview of recent U.S. fiscal developments and discusses possible implications of the sharp turn around in the government’s fiscal position. Against this back ground, it also reviews key policy challenges that will need to be addressed to cope with the mounting...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.