On the Ineffectiveness of Tax Policy in Altering Long- Run Growth: Harberger's Superneutrality Conjecture

Patrick Asea, Enrique Mendoza and Gian Maria Milesi-Ferretti ()

No 1378, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: Harberger’s superneutrality conjecture contends that, although in theory the mix of direct and indirect taxes affects investment and growth, in practice tax policy is ineffective as an instrument to promote growth. This paper provides evidence to support this view by examining the predictions of endogenous growth models driven by human capital accumulation. The empirical work is based on numerical simulations and cross-country regressions, using a new methodology for constructing aggregate effective tax rates. Results show significant investment effects from taxes that are consistent with negligible growth effects. The results are robust to the introduction of other growth determinants.

Keywords: Endogenous Growth; Private Investment; Tax Rate Estimates; Tax Structure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E6 E62 O4 O5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1996-04
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (41)

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Journal Article: On the ineffectiveness of tax policy in altering long-run growth: Harberger's superneutrality conjecture (1997)
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