Micro data from audited tax returns are used to evaluate changes in the actual progressivity of U.S. federal income taxes in 1979 and 1988, which is distinct from apparent progressivity. Statistical inference methods are applied to global measures of both actual and apparent residual and...

We derive a general optimal income tax formula when individuals respond along both the intensive and extensive margins and when income effects can prevail. Individuals are heterogeneous across two dimensions: their skill and their disutility of participation. Preferences over consumption and...

This paper characterizes optimal income taxation when individuals respond along both the intensive and extensive margins. Individuals are heterogeneous across two dimensions: specifically, their skill and disutility of participation. Preferences over consumption and work effort can differ with...

We study the optimal design of means-tested transfers and progressive income taxes. In a simple analytical model, we demonstrate an optimally negative relation between transfers and income-tax progressivity due to efficiency and redistribution concerns. In a rich dynamic model, we quantify the...

The Internal Revenue Code is riddled with features that allow U.S. taxpayers to reduce their federal tax liability by operating through tax haven companies. Some of these provisions are historic anomalies. Others are better understood as inadvertent loopholes than considered legislative grace....

This paper outlines and examines the taxation implications (primarily income tax) for residents of the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia also citizens and permanent residents of the United States (US) who are employed overseas. In addition to identifying specific taxation implications for...

This paper develops and solves a model of a multinational firm, who has the option to shift its earnings to a low-tax haven nation. Given the behaviour of the multinational firm, the haven nation solves a Ramsey optimal taxation problem, which involves choosing corporate and personal tax rates....

We develop a tax competition model that allows for the setting of both an origin-based and a destination-based commodity tax rate in the presence of avoidance and evasion. In the presence of evasion, jurisdictions will give cross-border shoppers tax preferential treatment, thus not fully...

We develop a tax competition model that allows for the setting of both an origin-based and a destination-based commodity tax rate in the presence of avoidance and evasion. In the presence of evasion, jurisdictions will give cross-border shoppers tax preferential treatment, thus not fully...

Our study finds evidence consistent with U.S. multinational firms disguising domestic acquisitions as corporate reorganizations to avoid repatriation-related taxes. Prior to a 2017 tax reform, we find that a combination of high potential repatriation costs and large overseas earnings balances is...