Basisgeld plus Steuergutschriften statt Hartz IV

Abstract

The author proposes randomised controlled trials in Germany with a partial non-conditional basic income scheme in combination with tax credits for full-time employment of low-income recipients. Such a new default option might lead to favourable behavioural responses such as more full-time work, less poverty and a higher acceptance of basic income by taxpayers. Fiscal introduction costs are low if targeting minimises deadweight effects und the poverty line is set appropriately. Field experiments with control groups are complementary to microsimulation studies and reduce uncertainties with respect to the empirical relevance of behavioural reactions.