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Public Economics Lectures Part 1: Introduction

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Atkinson-Stiglitz: Proof<br />

Algebraic proof of claim<br />

Let c(t) denote optimal bundle with tax (t, T (z)) and c(0) denote<br />

optimal bundle with tax (0, ¯T (z))<br />

Both bundles yield same utility V by construction<br />

Optimization implies<br />

p · c(t) = z − T (z) − t · c(t) ≥ p · c(0) = z − ¯T (z)<br />

⇒ ¯T (z) ≥ T (z) + t · c(t)<br />

Government collects more taxes with ( ¯T (.), t = 0) and utility is<br />

unchanged<br />

Therefore system without commodity taxes yields higher welfare<br />

<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Economics</strong> <strong>Lectures</strong> () <strong>Part</strong> 4: Optimal Taxation 83 / 121

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