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Overview This Report provides unique information for each of the OECD countries on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for one- and two-earner families, and the implied total labour costs for employers. These data are widely used in academic research and in the formulation and evaluation of social and economic policies. The taxpayer specific detail in this Report enables it to complement the information provided annually in the Revenue Statistics, a publication providing internationally comparative data on tax levels and tax structures in the thirty Member countries. The methodology followed in this Report is set out briefly in Section 1 and described in more detail in Part IV of this Report.
Special Feature This Special Feature was prepared by Fidel Picos-Sánchez during his research stay at the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. This stay was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (José Castillejo grant programme), the Galician Regional Government (Xunta de Galicia) and the University of Vigo.
Tax Burdens, 2008 estimates This Section continues by commenting on Tables I.1-I.11 and Figures I.1-6, which can be found at the end of this Section. All these summary tables show results for eight family-types, characterised by different family status (single/married, 0-2 children), economic status (one-/two-earner household) and wage level (33 per cent, 67 per cent, 100 per cent and 167 per cent of annual gross wage earnings of an average worker).
Graphical Exposition of the 2008 estimated Tax Burden The graphs in this section show the estimated tax burden on labour income in 2008 for gross wage earnings between 50 per cent and 250 per cent of the average wage (AW). For each OECD member country, the tax burden is shown for four family types: single taxpayers without children, single parents with 2 children, one-earner married couples without children and one-earner married couples with 2 children. Both the average and the marginal tax wedge are presented in a separate graph for each of these family types. The different components of the tax wedge are also presented; the graphs show respectively central income tax, local income tax, employee social security contributions, employer social security contributions and family benefits as a percentage of total labour costs (TLC). In addition, the net personal average and marginal tax rate ((the change in) personal income tax and employee social security contributions net of cash benefits as a percentage of (the change in) gross wage earnings) are included in the graphs that show respectively the average and the marginal tax wedge.
Tax Burdens, 2007 Definitive Results This section briefly reviews the definitive results for 2007 reported in Tables I.12-I.22 which can be found at the end of this Section and what they show about changes between 2007 and 2008. The format of Tables I.12-I.22 is identical to that of Tables I.1-I.11 reviewed above. Thus, changes between 2007 and 2008 for the various cases considered can be traced by comparing the same columns in Tables I.12-I.22, to those in Tables I.1-I.11. The following commentary on Tables I.12-I.22 focuses on changes in tax burdens and marginal tax rates for single employees without children at the average wage level (column 2 of the tables) and for one-earner married families with two children at the average wage level (column 5 of the tables). Comparing the columns 1, 3-4 and 6-8 of the tables would give the results for the remaining six family-types distinguished in this Report. Generally, only changes exceeding 1 percentage point for average effective rates and 5 percentage points for marginal effective rates are flagged.
Tax Burden Trends 2000-2008 This Part provides unique information for each of the OECD countries on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. This Part provides detailed results of the evolution of the tax burden for 2000-2008.
Australia (2007-2008 Income Tax Year) This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Austria This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Belgium This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Canada This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Czech Republic This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Denmark This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Finland This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
France This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Germany This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Greece This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Hungary This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Iceland This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Ireland This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Italy This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Japan This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Korea This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Luxembourg This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Mexico This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Netherlands This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
New Zealand (2008-2009 Income Tax Year) This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Norway This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Poland This chapter includes data on the income tax paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Portugal This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Slovak Republic This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Spain This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Sweden This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Switzerland This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Turkey This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
United Kingdom (2008-2009 Income Tax Year) This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
United States This chapter includes data on the income taxes paid by workers, their social security contributions, the family benefits they receive in the form of cash transfers as well as the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by their employers. Results reported include the marginal and average tax burden for eight different family types. Methodological information is available for personal income tax systems, compulsory social security contributions to schemes operated within the government sector, universal cash transfers as well as recent changes in the tax/ benefit system. The methodology also includes the parameter values and tax equations underlying the data.
Methodology The personal circumstances of taxpayers vary greatly. To identify representative taxpayers and to calculate the amount of their taxes, this Report uses a specific methodology. The focus is on employees. It is assumed that their annual income from employment is equal to a given fraction of the average gross wage earnings of adult, fulltime workers in a broad range of industry sectors of each OECD economy. Additional assumptions are made regarding other relevant personal circumstances of these wage earners to enable their tax/benefit position to be determined. Table IV.1 sets out the terminology used in this Report, while Table IV.2 provides information on the industry sectors covered.
Limitations The simple approach of comparing the tax/benefit position of example families avoids many of the conceptual and definitional problems involved in more complex international comparisons of tax burdens and transfer programmes. However, a drawback of this methodology is that the earnings of an average worker will usually occupy a different position in the overall income distribution in different economies, although the earnings relate to workers in similar jobs in various OECD Member countries.
A note on the tax equations Each country chapter contains a section that describes the of equations in a standard format which show the calculations required to derive the amounts of income tax, social security contributions and cash transfers. These algorithms represent in algebraic form the legal provisions described in the chapter and are consistent with the figures shown in the country and comparative tables. This section describes the conventions used in the definition of the equations and how they could be used by those wishing to implement the equations for their own research.
Annexes
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