The Tax System in India: Could Reform Spur Growth?

Author/Editor:

Helene Poirson

Publication Date:

April 1, 2006

Electronic Access:

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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:

This paper assesses the effects of India's tax system on growth, through the level and productivity of private investment. Comparison of India's indicators of effective tax rates and tax revenue productivity with other countries shows that the Indian tax system is characterized by: (1) a high dependence on indirect taxes, (2) low average effective tax rates and tax productivity, and (3) high marginal effective tax rates and large tax-induced distortions on investment and financing decisions. The paper finds that the most recently proposed package of reforms would improve tax productivity and lower the marginal tax burden and tax-induced distortions. But firms that rely on internal sources of funds or face problems borrowing would continue to face high marginal tax rates.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2006/093

Subject:

Consumption taxes Corporate income tax Income and capital gains taxes Income tax systems Revenue administration

English

Publication Date:

April 1, 2006

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451863536/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2006093

Pages:

22

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