Fiscal Demography – A Demographically Optimal Tax System

Abstract

The economic impact of demographic processes (mainly the growing age dependency ratio) requires consideration of the criteria for the implementation of the principle of equal taxation. In a situation where people of pensionable age are politically dominant (gerontocracy) it becomes necessary to implement fiscal protection for parents. It is their incomes that are the source not only of pension contributions, but also of the taxes that finance the pension system deficit. The income of parents is also a very significant source of finance for their children’s consumption. Respecting the principle of equal taxation according to the aging process requires the reconstruction of both personal income tax and consumption tax. The former requires the implementation of preferential solutions that reduce the tax burden on people bringing up children, who are less able to shoulder the fiscal burden. Reconstruction of the latter, meanwhile, would see acceptance of the principle of equal taxation expressed in a lower tax rate or even in exemption from taxation in the case of goods consumed by children.