Top incomes and tax policy

Abstract

Modern tax systems do not satisfactorily tax the wealthiest individuals. Meanwhile, government revenue needs have increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper discusses ideas for new revenue sources focused on the top of the distribution: A progressive tax on net wealth with a high exemption threshold, a wealth tax on corporations' stock and a one-off tax on top-end unrealized capital gains. Given the size and concentration of wealth, the revenue potential of these policies is significant.