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Taxing the People, Not Trade: the International Monetary Fund and the Structure of Taxation in Developing Countries

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Reinsberg, Bernhard  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7382-413X
Stubbs, Thomas 
Kentikelenis, Alexander 

Abstract

Abstract: Strengthening fiscal capacity in low- and middle-income countries is essential for achieving sustainable development. The International Monetary Fund—the world’s premier agent of fiscal policy reform—has taken a front-stage role in this process, promoting a model of tax policy that favors broad-based consumption taxes and discourages trade taxes. This article investigates the links between IMF-mandated tax reforms and the evolution of tax revenues. Using novel measures of tax-related conditionality and disaggregated data on revenues, our analysis shows that IMF interventions are significantly related to changes in tax structure. In particular, IMF programs increase revenues derived from goods and services taxes, but decrease revenues collected from trade taxes. Results for personal and corporate income taxes are inconclusive. These findings have important implications for debates on the role of the IMF in developing countries.

Description

Funder: University of Glasgow

Keywords

Article, International Monetary Fund, IMF programs, State capacity, Taxation, Tax conditionality, Value-added tax, F33, F34, F53

Journal Title

Studies in Comparative International Development

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0039-3606
1936-6167

Volume Title

55

Publisher

Springer US