Singles, couples, time-averaging, and taxation

We study consequences of tax reforms in an incomplete markets overlapping generations model in which male and female workers with different ability levels self-insure by acquiring a risk-free bond, “time-averaging” their life-cycle work schedules and career lengths, and possibly by marrying and divorcing. We study incidences of a flat-rate tax and in combination with stylized versions of a negative income tax (NIT) or an earned income tax credit (EITC). Tax reforms have diverse effects that differ by workers’ abilities, marital statuses, and ages. A new “ex post-ex ante” criterion helps us to sort through welfare incidences. The importance of labor supply responses at the extensive margin makes the EITC better for redistribution than the NIT.