加拿大註冊退休儲蓄計劃及其對收入分配的影響

Abstract

There are several reasons to study income inequality, ranging from the moral to economic growth and prosperity. The overall effect is a reduction in stability, both economically and socially. The steady growth in the Canadian GINI level is now a serious government and public concern. Fairness of the income taxation scheme is in debate. It is argued that the Canadian tax system favours the rich and that the Registered Retirement Savings Plan program benefits the rich disproportionately. This empirical study presents evidence on the correlation between an individual’s income level and the likelihood of participation in the Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) program. It is evident that a large proportion of RRSP holders are categorized in the higher income groups. Empirical findings reveal that variables such as age, gender, marital status, spouse income, sources of income, and retirement and pension plans have significant influence on the probability of RRSP participation in years 1998 to 2005. From a Probit regression analysisit has been confirmed that high income earners show a higher probability to participate in the RRSP program and with a greater contribution amount. This raises questions about the fairness of the RRSP program as well as the efficiency of the Canadian income taxation system.