formuebeskatning

Formuebeskatning, also known as wealth tax, is a tax levied on an individual's net worth. This typically includes assets such as real estate, stocks, bonds, savings, and other valuable possessions, minus any debts or liabilities. The primary objective of a wealth tax is to redistribute wealth, reduce income inequality, and generate revenue for public services.

The implementation and specifics of a wealth tax vary significantly across countries and over time. Some jurisdictions may tax only a portion of net wealth above a certain threshold, while others may have a tiered system with increasing tax rates for higher wealth brackets. Exemptions for certain assets, such as primary residences or retirement accounts, are also common.

Proponents of wealth taxes argue that they are a fair and efficient way to address extreme wealth concentration and fund essential public programs. They believe it can lead to a more equitable society and prevent the perpetuation of dynastic wealth. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential negative economic consequences. These include capital flight, where wealthy individuals move their assets to countries without a wealth tax, disincentivizing investment, and the administrative complexity and cost of valuation and collection. Debates often center on the practical challenges of accurately assessing wealth and the potential impact on economic growth and competitiveness.