Finances of the Nation: Net Income Tax Rates and the Changing Progressivity of the Cash Tax/Transfer System

Abstract

In this article, using new data released in 2019, Tahsin Mehdi and Brian Murphy examine changes in the progressivity of the federal and provincial income tax system, in conjunction with changes in the progressivity of federal and provincial cash transfers since 1992, by examining effective tax rates. Many of the major components of the system of income taxes and cash transfers have become somewhat more progressive collectively over time. This has resulted in an improved net tax position for lower-income taxfilers as well as the top third of taxfilers. On the other hand, taxfilers in the middle quintile have experienced a drop in their net tax position since 1992.