What VAT policy to reduce income and consumption inequalities in Togo?

Abstract

This paper uses the Computable General Equilibrium Model (CGEM) within a recursive dynamic PEP-1-t framework and Togo's 2018 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) to analyze the inequality-reducing VAT policy in Togo. The simulations show that when the VAT rate is lowered to 15%, consumption expenditure and income increase for all households. On the other hand, the opposite effect is observed when the rate is raised to 20%. In view of the variations observed, the study concludes that raising or lowering the VAT rate has no significant impact on reducing inequality. It suggests that the current rate of 18% be maintained, that exemptions be reduced, and that the State promote direct social transfers to poor households to reduce inequalities.

Keywords: VTA, CGEM, household income, consumer spending, consumer price index.

Classification JEL : C68, E62, H31, D58

Paper type: Empirical Research