Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series
Publication Date
2024
Publication Title
Coase-Sandor Working Paper Series in Law and Economics
Abstract
There is a widespread view that the tax and transfer system has become less progressive and less redistributive. To assess this view, we compare data from three studies: Congressional Budget Office (2024), Piketty, Saez, Zucman (2018), and Auten and Splinter (2024). Although they use different definitions of income, units, and taxes and transfers, all three show that the tax and transfer system has become more redistributive, not less. We also review all studies of the issue since 2012, which confirms these findings. In short, there is robust evidence across definitions and methodologies, that the tax system has become more redistributive.
Number
991
Recommended Citation
Coleman, Thomas and Weisbach, David A., "How Much Does U.S. Fiscal System Redistribute?" (2024). Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series. 991.
https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/law_and_economics/1096
