Neutrality Properties of Firm Taxation under Default Risk

This note discusses the neutrality conditions of a Firm Tax. In particular, it proves that the neutrality result found by Bond and Devereux (1995) holds under different default conditions.

On the equivalence between labor and consumption taxation

This article studies the equivalence between labor and consumption taxes in a stochastic context, where the government can undertake an active portfolio management strategy by investing in both risk-free and risky assets. Using a two-period model we have shown that such taxes let consumers make the same decisions and can finance the same amount of government spending in each period.consumption and labor taxation, equivalence, risk.

A dynamic measure of the effective tax rate

This article shows how the existing forward-looking measures of the effective tax rate may be biased when firms operate in a dynamic context. Using option pricing techniques we thus propose a measure of the effective tax rate which embodies future business changes.

Preemption, Start-Up Decisions and the Firms' Capital Structure

In this article, we analyse the interactions between financial and start-up decisions in an oligopolistic framework, where firms compete to enter a new market. We show that preemption can substantially reduce the negative effects of credit rationing on start-up investment decisions.capital structure

Wide vs. narrow tax bases under optimal investment timing

This article compares an ACE system with a CBIT system in an open economy. Using a realoption approach we show that, if a firm can decide when to invest, a tradeoff is found. According to traditional wisdom, a high-income firm investing in an ACE system faces a heavier tax burden at each instant. On the other hand, it finds it optimal to invest earlier, thereby enjoying a longer stream of income. If, given the same tax burden, the latter effect is great enough, the firm will prefer the ACE system. In this article we also run a simulation which shows that preference for an ACE system is a realistic result

A simple explanation for the unfavorable tax treatment of investment costs

The evidence shows that in most countries the present value of depreciation allowances is less than 100% of the cost of capital. In this article we use a real-option model with debt financing, and show that less favorable depreciation allowances are offset by tax benefits arising from debt financing. Allowing partial deduction of capital cost is thus a necessary condition for investment neutrality to hold

Profit Sharing and Investment by Regulated Utilities: a Welfare Analysis

We analyse the effects of different regulatory schemes (price cap and profit sharing) on a firm’s investment of endogenous size. Using a real option approach in continuous time, we show that profit sharing does not delay a firm’s start-up investment relative to a pure price cap scheme. Profit sharing does not necessarily affect total investment either, if the threshold for profit sharing is high enough. Only a profit sharing intervening for low profit levels may delay further investments. We also evaluate the effects of profit sharing on social welfare, determining the level of profit that should optimally trigger tighter regulation: profit sharing should be less stringent in sectors where there are bigger investment opportunities.regulation, investment, profit sharing, real options, RPI-x

Investment Size and Firm’s Value Under Profit Sharing Regulation

In this article we analyse the effects of different regulatory schemes (price cap and profit sharing) on a firm’s investment of endogenous size. Using a real option approach in continuous time, we show that profit sharing does not affect a firm’s start-up decision relative to a pure price cap scheme. Unless the threshold after which profit sharing intervenes is very high, however, introducing a profit sharing element delays further investments: this decreases the present value of total investment. We also evaluate the reduction in the firm’s value due to profit sharing, linking this reduction to the option value of future investments.Regulation, Investment, Profit sharing, Real options, RPI-x

Optimal Investment and Financial Strategies under Tax Rate Uncertainty

In this paper we apply a real-option model to study the effects of tax rate uncertainty on a firm's decisions. In doing so, we depart from the relevant literature, which focuses on fully equity-financed investment projects. By letting a representative firm borrow optimally, we show that debt finance not only encourages investment activities but can also substantially mitigate the effect of tax rate uncertainty on investment timing.Capital Levy, Corporate Taxation, Default Risk, Real Options

Tax Neutrality: Illusion or Reality? : The Case of Entrepreneurship

This paper shows that taxes which are understood to be neutral with respect to the marginal investment decisions may be distortionary with respect to entrepreneurial decisions. In particular, we apply an intertemporal model to show that a comprehensive income tax is distortionary unless all kinds of income are subject to the same tax rate and a worker's option to become an entrepreneur is accounted for. Similarly, the harsh condition of a uniform tax rate is necessary but not sufficient under new view dividend tax, cash flow tax, and ACE tax, so that the occupational choice is not distorted. In any case, informational problems may arise and lead to distortive effects