Question

In which of the following cases is it most likely that an increase in the size of a tax will decrease tax revenue? Answers: A) The price elasticity of demand is small, and the price elasticity of supply is large. B) The price elasticity of demand is large, and the price elasticity of supply is small. C) The price elasticity of demand and the price elasticity of supply are both small. D) The price elasticity of demand and the price elasticity of supply are both large.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option D.

Explanation:

An increase in the size of tax is likely to increase the tax revenue when the price elasticity of supply, as well as price elasticity of demand, are both large.  

The imposition of tax will cause an increase in the price of the product. If the price elasticity of demand is higher, an increase in the price will lead to a more than proportionate decrease in demand.  

At the same time, high price elasticity of supply means that when the tax is imposed the sellers will be able to reduce quantity more easily.  

So when less output is produced and demanded the tax revenue will also be lower.