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Abstract
Aconventional assumption of product homogeneity when the commodity of interest is
actually heterogeneous will lead to errors in an analysis of the incidence of policies, such
as taxes. In this article, an equilibrium displacement model is used to derive analytical
solutions for price, quantity, and quality effects of ad valorem and per unit taxes. The
results show how parameters determine the effects of tax policies on quality. The
potential for tax-induced distortions in quality, and the distributive consequences of
those distortions, are illustrated in a case study of the market for Australian wine.