The Impact of Macroeconomic Policieson the Level of Taxation (andon the Fiscal Balance) in Developing Countries

Author/Editor:

Vito Tanzi

Publication Date:

October 24, 1988

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

In recent years the level of taxation of many developing countries has changed dramatically over relatively short periods. These changes are too large and too sudden to attribute fully to a deterioration in tax administration or to changes in the traditional determinants of tax levels. The paper argues that they should be attributed mostly to macroeconomic policies. The paper discusses the connection between tax levels and (a) the real value of the official exchange rate, (b) import substitution policies, (c) trade liberalization, (d) inflation, (e) public debt, (f) financial policies. The paper concludes that more attention should be paid to those relationships and that tax reform should aim at neutralizing some of these effects.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1988/095

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

October 24, 1988

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451950236/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0951988

Pages:

28

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