Optimal Capital Taxation in an Economy with Innovation-Driven Growth

Chen, Ping-ho and Chu, Angus C. and Chu, Hsun and Lai, Ching-Chong (2019): Optimal Capital Taxation in an Economy with Innovation-Driven Growth. Forthcoming in: Macroeconomic Dynamics

Abstract

This paper investigates optimal capital taxation in an innovation-driven growth model. We examine how the optimal capital tax rate varies with externalities associated with R&D and innovation. Our results show that the optimal capital tax rate is higher when (i) the "stepping on toes effect" is smaller, (ii) the "standing on shoulders effect" is stronger, or (iii) the extent of creative destruction is greater. Moreover, the optimal capital tax rate and the monopolistic markup exhibit an inverted-U relationship. By calibrating our model to the US economy, we find that the optimal capital tax rate is positive, at a rate of around 6.6 percent. Finally, we consider a number of extensions and find that the result of a positive optimal capital tax rate is robust.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Optimal capital taxation; R&D externalities; innovation
• Subjects: E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E6 - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook > E62 - Fiscal Policy; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O31 - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O41 - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models

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