Diskonttauskäyrä

Diskonttauskäyrä, often referred to as the Laffer curve in English, is a graphical representation of the relationship between a government's tax rate and the amount of tax revenue it collects. The curve is named after economist Arthur Laffer, who proposed it in 1974. The Laffer curve is U-shaped, with two key points: the first is at a tax rate of zero, where tax revenue is also zero; the second is at a tax rate of 100%, where tax revenue is also zero. Between these points, the curve suggests that there is an optimal tax rate that maximizes tax revenue.

The Laffer curve is based on the assumption that as tax rates increase, some taxpayers may reduce their taxable income by engaging in tax avoidance or tax evasion, leading to a decrease in tax revenue. Conversely, as tax rates decrease, some taxpayers may increase their taxable income, leading to an increase in tax revenue. The optimal tax rate is the point at which the increase in tax revenue from higher tax rates is offset by the decrease in tax revenue from tax avoidance and evasion.

The Laffer curve has been a subject of debate among economists. Some argue that it provides a useful framework for understanding the relationship between tax rates and revenue, while others contend that it oversimplifies the complex factors that influence tax collection. The curve has also been used by policymakers to inform tax policy, with some advocating for lower tax rates to encourage economic growth, while others argue for higher tax rates to fund public services.