The Distributional Impact of KiwiSaver Incentives

John Gibson, Chris Hector and Trinh Le

Working Papers in Economics from University of Waikato

Abstract: New Zealand’s approach to retirement incomes profoundly changed with the recent introduction of KiwiSaver and its associated tax incentives. Previous policy reduced lifetime inequality but KiwiSaver and its tax incentives will increase future inequality and lead to diverging living standards for the elderly. In this paper we evaluate the distributional effects of these tax incentives. Using data from a nationwide survey conducted by the authors, we estimate the value of the equivalent income transfer provided to individuals by the tax incentives for KiwiSaver participation. Concentration curves and inequality decompositions are used to compare the distributive impact of these tax incentives with those for New Zealand Superannuation. Estimates are reported for both initial and lifetime impacts, with the greatest effect on inequality apparent in the lifetime impacts.

Keywords: distributive impact; KiwiSaver; retirement saving; tax incentives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D31 H22 J26 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 17 pages
Date: 2008-02-20
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wai:econwp:08/02

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