Who Pays the Corporate Tax in a Global Economy?

Abstract

The theory of corporate tax incidence suggests that corporate taxes are more likely to harm labor in a globally integrated economy. However, a review of the prior empirical work in this area fails to reveal persuasive empirical evidence of adverse effects on labor, since these studies have several weaknesses that interfere with robust inferences. Using new data and methods, this paper provides additional evidence on the incidence of corporate taxation, finding no robust link between corporate taxation and wages. I discuss possible explanations for these findings as well as policy implications.

Keywords: corporate taxation, tax incidence, tax competition, international taxation

JEL Classification: H25, H22, H87