Musgrave, Richard Abel (1910–2007)

Abstract

Richard Musgrave is best known for his treatise The Theory of Public Finance (1959). His most original and lasting contributions are in taxation theory and public goods theory. His work on tax incidence has been the starting point for all subsequent studies on tax burdens by income classes, and he broke new ground by introducing the concept of equal options as the basis for horizontal equity. His separation of budgetary functions into allocation and distribution branches has acquired increased practical significance as much of the expansion of the public sector has consisted of increased transfer payments.