Optimal redistribution and monitoring of labor supply

This paper extends the Mirrlees (1971) model of optimal non-linear income taxation with a monitoring technology that allows the government to verify labor supply at a positive, but non-infinite cost. We analyze the joint determination of the non-linear monitoring and tax schedules, and the conditions under which these can be implemented. Monitoring of labor supply reduces the distortions created by income taxation and raises optimal marginal tax rates, possibly above 100%. The optimal intensity of monitoring increases with the marginal tax rate and the labor-supply elasticity. Our simulations demonstrate that monitoring strongly alleviates the trade-off between equity and efficiency. Welfare gains of monitoring are around 2.8% of total output. The optimal intensity of monitoring follows a U-shaped pattern, similar to that of optimal marginal tax rates. Our paper can explain why large welfare states optimally rely on work-dependent tax credits, active labor-market policies, benefit sanctions and work bonuses in welfare programs. •Mirrlees (1971) is extended with a monitoring technology to verify labor supply•Individuals are penalized if they deviate from an optimally chosen work requirement•Optimal monitoring probabilities and income taxes are U-shaped in income•Monitoring labor supply strongly alleviates the equity-efficiency trade-off•Welfare gains of monitoring are estimated at 2.8% of GDP