Laffer Curve: The Case of the Regions of Spain (2010-2019)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-88702024000200107Keywords:
Elasticity, Optimal Taxation, Pareto Parameter, high income, Autonomous RegionsAbstract
Based on the “Laffer curve” hypothesis, this article studies the optimal top marginal tax rate on incomes above 150,000 euros per year for the Spanish Autonomous Regions under the common regime over the period 2010-2019. To this end, the methodology of Diamond and Saez (2011) is applied. The results show that personal income tax (IRPF) is on the prohibitive side of the Laffer curve and that it is a progressive tax for the highest income brackets. The main conclusion is that fiscal policy should be reoriented towards increasing revenue by lowering the tax burden in order to encourage investment and reduce the underground economy and tax fraud.
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