Optimal pensions with endogenous labour supply

Abstract

We show that a two-part pension system provides optimal capital accumulation without distorting labour supply, thereby achieving the first-best. An economy with too little retirement saving should combine a negative income tax with a consumption tax to replicate the first-best allocation without using any lump-sum taxes. Our results are shown in a classic Diamond overlapping generations model that is augmented with endogenous labour supply on the intensive margin.