TY  - RPRT
        AU  - Paulus, Alari
AU  - Peichl, Andreas
        TI  - Effects of Flat Tax Reforms in Western Europe on Income Distribution and Work Incentives
        PY  - 2008/Sep/
        PB  - Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        CY  - Bonn
        T2  - IZA Discussion Paper
        IS  - 3721
        UR  - https://www.iza.org/index.php/publications/dp3721
        AB  - The flat income tax has become increasingly popular recently, yet its implementation is limited to Eastern Europe. We analyse the distributional and efficiency effects of flat tax scenarios for Western European countries. Our simulations show that flat tax rates required to attain revenue neutrality with existing basic allowances improve labour supply incentives. However, they result in higher inequality and polarisation. Flat rates necessary to keep the inequality levels unchanged allow for some scope for flat taxes to increase both equity and efficiency. Our analysis suggests that Mediterranean countries are more likely to benefit from flat taxes.
        KW  - microsimulation
KW  - work incentives
KW  - income distribution
KW  - flat tax reform
        ER  -