Basic Structure Fiqure 15.1 shows the series of steps used to compute a person's tax liability. Step 1: Compute Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Step 2: Convert AG/ into taxable income by subtracting exemptions and deductions Step 3: Compute tax due by applying a rate schedule, and subtracting tax credits
Introduction Are people unaffected by tax increase if they pay zero in taxes afterwards? No, consumption may have changed in response to the tax increase Bundle consumed is less desirable Excess burden is a loss of welfare above and beyond the tax revenues collected
Policy analysis is hard Why is it so hard to tell what's going on with government actions? Consider lowering income tax rates. Will lowering taxes increase work effort and labor supply? · Unlike the physical and natural sciences, difficult to perform carefully controlled experiments on the economy
Quick Look at Welfare Spending .\Welfare\ in the United States is a patchwork of dozens of different programs. All welfare programs are means-tested-- only individuals with sufficiently low income are eligible. Programs often have other requirements related to family structure and assets
Externality Defined An externality is present when the activity of one entity(person or firm)directly affects the welfare of another entity in a way that is outside the market mechanism. Negative externality: These activities impose damages on others. Positive externality: These activities benefits on others