Regulation and Revenue

Abstract

The power to tax and the power to regulate are often analyzed separately. We argue that, when in the hands of a single authority, the power to tax may act as a check on the power to regulate, thereby discouraging regulations that adversely affect GDP, and promoting regulations that enhance GDP. This effect will be stronger the higher are (marginal) taxes. This argument is used both to suggest an explanation for the observed positive correlation between high taxes and economic freedom, and to warn against the granting of regulatory but not fiscal powers at the European level. Show more