A comparison of the Russian 13% flat rate PIT evasion stratified contributions and the US tax schedule

Abstract

The empirical study of Russian Personal Income Tax (PIT) evasion proves the existence of middle-class high-income groups able to finance the state but which lack a sufficient tax compliant attitude. The size of their income almost functionally positively correlates with tax evasion preferences. Within the flat rate the largest contribution to the general evasion in terms of hidden income comes from the middle-class groups and not from the richest Russians or the upper-middle class. The flat 13% PIT rate compared to the US IRS progressive schedule, both in case of absence and presence of tax evasion, is less favorable in terms of budget revenue and social justice. It is concluded that a positive outcome of flat rate introduction can be only achieved if the tax discipline of 10% of the richest citizens improves considerably. If the tax evasion preferences of the population remain the same, the introduction of a flat rate will hinder budget revenue and tax contribution redistribution.