Publications

Tax Competition

, , , , , , , and | 12 July 2018
Fiscal, Policy Briefs | Tags: Corporate Tax, Tax Competition
The world is facing a new round of international tax competition that may result in a ruinous race to the bottom, undermining the fiscal capacity of states to respond to global challenges and to implement the Agenda 2030. G20 leaders must take action to strengthen ... continue reading

Tax Expenditure and the Treatment of Tax Incentives for Investment

, , , , , and | 12 July 2018
Fiscal, Policy Briefs | Tags: Fossil Fuel Subsidies, Investment, Tax Expenditures
Governments use tax expenditures to boost investment, innovation and employment. However, these schemes are largely opaque, costly and often ineffective in reaching their stated goals. They also frequently trigger unwanted side effects. In order to improve the performance of these tools, we present three concrete ... continue reading

Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Tax Expenditures in Developing Countries

and | 11 July 2018
Fiscal, Blog | Tags: Domestic Revenue Mobilization, Tax Expenditures
Domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) is a fundamental component of any sustainable development strategy. This is particularly salient in developing countries where low DRM levels are often one of the most important impediments to inclusive economic growth. Whereas external financing – including, e.g. official development assistance ... continue reading

Financial Stability and Inequality: A Challenge for Macroprudential Regulation

| 5 June 2018
Monetary, Blog | Tags: Central Banks, Financial Regulation, Financial Stability, Inequality, Macroprudential Policy
The global financial crisis shed new light on the role that central banks play for financial stability. In response to the financial turmoil, central banks took radical action to stabilize the financial system, by providing liquidity to banks and buying up financial assets. Following these ... continue reading

Energy Tax Expenditures in a Globalized Economy

and | 9 May 2018
Fiscal, Trade, Discussion Notes | Tags: Energy, Tax Competition, Tax Expenditures
Countries around the world have introduced energy taxes to expand revenues, reduce energy consumption and curb greenhouse gas emissions. In that context, they have frequently also implemented tax provisions to lower the energy tax bill for certain industries, households and regions. Tax exemptions and deductions ... continue reading

Central Banks and the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy

| 22 March 2018
Monetary, Discussion Notes | Tags: Central Banks, Environment, Macroprudential Regulation, Quantitative Easing
Climate change is a fundamental challenge for our societies. Containing it will require a profound and radical transformation of our economic system, including a substantial reorientation of investments toward low-carbon technologies. The question to what extent central banks can and should contribute to this effort ... continue reading

How’s Life?

| 22 January 2018
Fiscal, Monetary, Trade, Publications | Tags: Environment, Inequality
In November, the OECD published its most recent report on a short but fundamental question: How’s Life? Income is an important, but not the only factor in determining the answer. The OECD reflects this by going beyond the focus on GDP, that has for long ... continue reading

Climate Change Adds to Risk for Banks, but EU Lending Proposals Will Do More Harm Than Good

and | 17 January 2018
Monetary, Blog | Tags: Climate Change, Financial Stability, Macroprudential Regulation
Climate change is a relevant risk factor for the banking sector, but the European Commission's plan to lower capital requirements for greener investments is irresponsible in encouraging banks to forego proper risk management. ... continue reading

Shedding Light on Hidden Government Spending: Tax Expenditures

and | 20 December 2017
Fiscal, Blog | Tags: Tax Expenditures
Tax expenditures (TEs) are used by governments around the world to promote public policy objectives. Examples include tax deductions on mortgage interest to encourage home ownership and preferential tax treatment of pension savings. ... continue reading

Fighting Poverty with Taxes

| 21 November 2017
Fiscal, Blog | Tags: Inequality, Poverty, Tax Expenditures
One way the U.S. federal income tax system provides low-income families with financial support is through refundable tax credits. Families can claim refundable tax credits even if they do not owe any tax liability, which allows families with the lowest incomes to receive benefits. ... continue reading