IMF Working Papers

Tax Reform and Debt Sustainability in Germany: An Assessment Using the Global Fiscal Model

By Dennis P Botman, Stephan Danninger

February 1, 2007

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Dennis P Botman, and Stephan Danninger. Tax Reform and Debt Sustainability in Germany: An Assessment Using the Global Fiscal Model, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2007) accessed October 25, 2024
Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary

In 2005, the German government announced a far-reaching fiscal adjustment program. This paper uses the IMF’s Global Fiscal Model to study its impact and explores options for addressing long-term pressures from population aging. The growth effects of the planned VAT increase are likely modest, largely owing to the stimulating effect of other tax reductions. The reform will improve the long-term debt path but achieving fiscal sustainability requires further adjustment over the medium term. An additional package of expenditure restraint, entitlement reform, and tax-base broadening compares favorably to other adjustment options. Spillover effects to trading partners of these policies are modest.

Subject: Corporate income tax, Expenditure, Fiscal policy, Personal income tax, Public debt

Keywords: GFM simulation, Growth effect, Personal income, Tax rate, WP

Publication Details

  • Pages:

    30

  • Volume:

    ---

  • DOI:

    ---

  • Issue:

    ---

  • Series:

    Working Paper No. 2007/046

  • Stock No:

    WPIEA2007046

  • ISBN:

    9781451866100

  • ISSN:

    1018-5941