Environmental Tax Reform: Principles from Theory and Practice to Date

Author/Editor:

Ian W.H. Parry ; John Norregaard ; Dirk Heine

Publication Date:

July 1, 2012

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

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 recommends a system of upstream taxes on fossil fuels, combined with refunds for downstream emissions capture, to reduce carbon and local pollution emissions. Motor fuel taxes should also account for congestion and other externalities associated with vehicle use, at least until mileage-based taxes are widely introduced. An examination of existing energy/environmental tax systems in Germany, Sweden, Turkey, and Vietnam suggests that there is substantial scope for policy reform. This includes harmonizing taxes for pollution content across different fuels and end-users, better aligning tax rates with values for externalities, and scaling back taxes on vehicle ownership and electricity use that are redundant (on environmental grounds) in the presence of more targeted taxes.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2012/180

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

July 1, 2012

ISBN/ISSN:

9781475505283/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2012180

Pages:

39

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org