The demand for cabbages is Q = 3,000 − 200P and the supply of cabbages is Q = −500 + 200P. If a $4 tax is levied on the sale of cabbages, who bears the statutory incidence? Who bears the economic incidence of this tax? How is it divided up?
Before tax we have Qd = Qs
3000 - 200P = -500 + 200P
3500 = 400P
P = 8.75
Q = 1250
After tax we have
3000 - 200P = -500 + 200(P - 4)
3000 - 200P = -500 + 200P - 800
4300 = 400P
P = 10.75 (paid by buyers)
P = 6.75 (received by sellers)
Hence, statutory incidence is borne by sellers since tax is imposed on them
But economic tax is borne by both buyers and sellers
Tax incidence on buyers = (10.75 - 8.75) = $2
Tax incidence on sellers = (8.75 - 6.75) = $2
Both buyer and sellers are dividing the tax burden in 50:50 ratio.
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