Personal income tax reform in Latvia: assessment of effect

Abstract

Personal income tax (PIT) policy in Latvia has been changed significantly in 2018 with the aim to reduce the tax burden and increase the income of working population by amending progressive tax rates and increasing the nontaxable minimum and minimum wage. Purpose − the aim of this study is to estimate the impact of PIT reform by assessing the effect of implementation of non-taxable minimum, deductions and substantiated spending on the dynamics of income and tax administration efficiency. Research methodology − PIT theoretic and normative concepts have been analyzed; unpublished data on actual wages in 2015−2018 provided by Latvian State Revenue Service and State Social Insurance Agency have been estimated. Findings − the main conclusion of this study is that the aim of the reform has not been achieved: income inequality hasn’t been reduced, an increase of income has been irrelevant, the gains from the reform have become unobtainable for the most unprotected groups because of the insufficient level of income. The implementation of the differentiated non-taxable minimum has generated PIT debts and higher administrative burden. Practical implications − the study may be implemented in case of progressive PIT for the reassessment of the tax framework and its future development. Originality/Value − this study is original, the actual effect of PIT reform in Latvia previously hasn’t been analyzed.