Optimal Taxation and Social Insurance in a Lifetime Perspective

A.L. Bovenberg, P.B. Sorensen

Research output: Working paperDiscussion paperOther research output

308 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Advances in information technology have improved the administrative feasibility of redis- tribution based on lifetime earnings recorded at the time of retirement. We study optimal lifetime income taxation and social insurance in an economy in which redistributive taxation and social insurance serve to insure (ex ante) against skill heterogeneity as well as disability risk. Optimal disability benefits rise with previous earnings so that public transfers depend not only on current earnings but also on earnings in the past. Hence, lifetime taxation rather than annual taxation is optimal. The optimal tax-transfer system does not provide full disability insurance. By offering imperfect insurance and structuring disability benefits so as to enable workers to insure against disability by working harder, social insurance is designed to offset the distortionary impact of the redistributive labor income tax on labor supply.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationTilburg
PublisherMacroeconomics
Number of pages31
Volume2007-14
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Publication series

NameCentER Discussion Paper
Volume2007-14

Keywords

  • Optimal lifetime income taxation
  • optimal social insurance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optimal Taxation and Social Insurance in a Lifetime Perspective'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this