Public economy and taxation
Two lines of research are contemplated under this section: on the one hand Taxation and on the other, the Public Economy and Well-being.
Funcas’studies on Taxation are aimed at rigorous analysis and its impact on the economic environment in general, paying special attention to the Spanish tax reality. To achieve this, the unit develops and enhances the study, both theoretical and applied, of tax issues and their impact on economic reality. In this sense, it is a platform from where quick answers to the questions that are usually asked in the study of tax reforms, present or future – tax impact, distributive effects, efficiency costs, social welfare – are offered, with agility and rigor. On the other hand, it also offers comparative analyzes of the Spanish economic reality with respect tosurrounding countries in order to identify weaknesses, inefficiencies and proposals for improvement.
The research on Public Expenditure, Economic Regulation and Well-being aims to promote and develop the analysis of public sector intervention in market economies, with special attention to the set of actions that make up the social welfare system, taking as a main reference the Spanish and European reality. The work program therefore includes aspects related to the regulation of markets, the finances of public administrations and, in particular, the examination of the objectives and instruments of social policy, their consequences on economic growth and social cohesion, and the relations between the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Highlighted
Elisa Chuliá, de Funcas. Muchos países europeos están elevando la edad legal de jubilación y, paralelamente, implementan incentivos económicos para fomentar la jubilación demorada. En España, una reforma en vigor desde abril de 2025 busca reforzar esta política, aunque su impacto aún es incierto. Se observa que una parte creciente de los nuevos jubilados retrasa voluntariamente su salida, pero no está claro que la población esté dispuesta a trabajar más para sostener el gasto social. Crece el empleo, pero las horas efectivamente trabajadas disminuyen. Por tanto, el aumento de la productividad será clave para sostener el gasto social para no reducir el nivel o la calidad de las prestaciones.
Artículo
Spanish fiscal policy in the face of systematic budget rollover: Risks for stability and reform
Fecha:
June 2025
Despite robust growth and a declining headline deficit in 2024, Spain’s underlying fiscal trajectory remains fragile due to persistent structural imbalances and high public debt levels. With the new EU fiscal framework taking effect and long-term spending pressures building, credible consolidation measures are becoming increasingly necessary.
Artículo
Spain’s rising tax burden: Personal income tax under scrutiny
Fecha:
June 2025
Spain’s tax revenue rose sharply in 2024, led by strong growth in personal income tax, VAT, and corporate income tax. While this helped reduce the public deficit, the non-indexation of PIT has eroded real household incomes and intensified fiscal drag.