In this article, we analyze a state-contingent tax on capital gains. We start by focusing on Auerbach's (1991) retrospective capital gains tax device. Although this system is equivalent to an accrual method from an ex-ante perspective, it is not on an ex-post basis. As recognized by Auerbach,...

In this article we study a crucial aspect of a Dual Tax System: the choice of the imputed rate of return. Under interest rate uncertainty, its optimal value will be shown to depend on the nature of investment. Following Fane (1987), if investment is reversible, the imputation rate ensuring...

This paper studies the relationship between debt-financing and the timing of investment, under asymmetric information. In particular we show that an option to delay raises the average profitability of firms who choose to invest immediately, thereby reducing the market interest rate on debt....

This paper discusses the effects of an asymmetric tax scheme on incremental and sequential investment strategies. The tax base is equal to the firm's return, net of an imputation rate. When the firm's return is less than this rate, however, no tax refunds are allowed. This scheme is neutral...

We analyze Auerbach´s (1991) proposal of a retrospective capital gains tax, which is equivalent to an accrual tax on an ex ante basis. Using a continuous-time model with stochastic interest rates and serially correlated asset returns, we prove that such an equivalence still holds. This means...

In this paper we apply a real-option model to study the effects of tax rate uncertainty on a firm's decisions. In doing so, we depart from the relevant literature, which focuses on fully equity-financed investment projects. By letting a representative firm borrow optimally, we show that debt...

We analyse the effects of different regulatory schemes (price cap and profit sharing) on a firm's investment of endogenous size. Using a real option approach in continuous time, we show that profit sharing does not delay a firm's start-up investment relative to a pure price cap scheme. Profit...

This article studies the equivalence between labor and consumption taxes in a stochastic context, where the government can undertake an active portfolio management strategy by investing in both risk-free and risky assets. Using a two-period model we have shown that such taxes let consumers make...

This note discusses the neutrality conditions of a Firm Tax. In particular, it proves that the neutrality result found by Bond and Devereux (1995) holds under different default conditions.

This article compares an ACE system with a CBIT system in an open economy. Using a real-option approach, we show that, if a firm can decide when to invest, a trade-off is found. According to traditional wisdom, a high-income firm investing in an ACE system faces a heavier tax burden at each...