Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Paper Series, Center for Fiscal Studies,
Uppsala University, Department of Economics

No 2011:9: Tax Regimes and Capital Gains Realizations

Martin Jacob ()
Additional contact information
Martin Jacob: Uppsala Center for Fiscal Studies, Postal: Department of Economics, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 513, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden

Abstract: This paper analyzes the effects of progressive versus proportional taxation on capital gains realization behavior. Using a comprehensive panel of over 230,000 individuals in Sweden for 1973-1996, this paper shows after progressive capital gains taxes were cut from over 80% in the 1980s to a proportional tax rate of 30% in 1991, especially high-income taxpayers increased capital gains realizations. The reaction to the introduction of the proportional capital gains tax rate is more pronounced among younger individuals. This paper also shows that under a progressive (proportional) tax regime, investors with excess income are less (more) likely to realize capital gains than individuals with liquidity constraints. Hence, proportional versus progressive taxation plays an important role in capital gains realizations of private investors.

Keywords: Capital Gains Tax; Proportional Tax; Progressive Tax; Top Incomes; Life-Cycle

JEL-codes: D14; D31; H20; H24

42 pages, August 9, 2011

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