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Wealth taxes are increasingly being considered as an option in policy and academic circles to collect additional revenue and address inequality. One objection that is often raised, however, is that they seem to have failed in countries that tried them. Is that so and does that mean that wealth taxes should be abandoned as a policy tool? This paper gives an overview of OECD countries' experiences with wealth taxes and explores the different factors that have led to their repeal in most countries. The paper also discusses whether the situation might be different today and what the implications for tax policy might be.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a health crisis and a severe decline in economic activity that are without precedent in recent history. This article first provides an overview of the tax and fiscal policy responses adopted in response to the health and economic shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries have responded firmly, focussing on liquidity and household income support. Next, adopting a forward-looking perspective, the article discusses how tax policy could evolve, as containment measures are maintained and start being phased out. It suggests a strong need for continued support, adapting to the changing nature of risks, and for stimulus to encourage economic recovery once the crisis abates. Lastly, some options to restore public finances post-crisis are explored. COVID-19, taxation, fiscal policy, liquidity, solvency, stimulus, fiscal consolidation.

OECD Working Papers should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries. The opinions expressed and arguments employed are those of the author(s).Working Papers describe preliminary results or research in progress by the author(s) and are published to stimulate discussion on a broad range of issues on which the OECD works.

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This series is designed to make available to a wider readership selected studies drawing on the work of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. Authorship is usually collective, but principal writers are named. The papers are generally available only in their original language (English or French) with a short summary available in the other. OECD Working Papers should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries 1. The opinions expressed and arguments employed are those of the author(s). Working Papers describe preliminary results or research in progress by the author(s) and are published to stimulate discussion on a broad range of issues on which the OECD works. Comments on Working Papers are welcomed, and may be sent to the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, OECD,

No abstract

Wealth taxes are increasingly being considered as an option in policy and academic circles to collect additional revenue and address inequality. One objection that is often raised, however, is that they seem to have failed in countries that tried them, with most OECD countries abandoning their wealth taxes in recent decades. This paper gives an overview of OECD countries’ experiences with wealth taxes and explores the different factors that have led to their repeal in most countries. The paper also discusses whether the situation might be different today and what the implications for tax policy might be.