Fiscal Equalization Pushes Up Local Tax Rates : Evidence from Switzerland

This paper investigates incentive effects of fiscal equalization on local tax rates. I propose two refinements to current empirical estimations of these incentive effects. I show that local policy makers may conceive of changes in equalization transfers as stemming from discrete rather than marginal changes in the tax base, thus considering “supramarginal” equalization rates. Second, I study “effective” equalization rates, conditioned on the current tax rate. To identify the incentives created by equalization grants I investigate the reform of an inter-municipal equalization scheme in Switzerland. My baseline estimate from supramarginal equalization rates is 2-3 times larger than that found in previous comparable studies. I however do not find any effect for effective equalization rates