Question

During the Reagan administration, the Laffer curve was used to argue that: a. lower income tax rates could increase tax revenues. b. the supply-side effects of tax cuts are relatively small. c. a "flat tax" would simplify the tax code and stimulate economic growth. d. discretionary tax cuts are unwise because they create stagflation.

Answer 1

Answer:

A) lower income tax rates could increase tax revenues.

Explanation:

The laffer curve is a theoretical model which argues that there a tax rate that theoretically produces the most revenue for the government. Said tax rate is between 0% and 100%.

President Reagan used this model to argue that a lower tax rate would actually increase government revenue. The logic behind this claim was that lower tax rates increases both public and private saving, which in turn increases investment, resulting in more economic growth, and more taxable income.

The validity of these claims is dispute and is subject to debate among economists.