For investors in a given tax bracket, bonds with certain combinations of price and maturity may dominate other bonds. If markets are complete, S. M. Schaefer proved that a prohibition on short sales will give rise to tax-induced clienteles. Thus, bonds classified into groups by price and maturity may be held by investors in different tax brackets. Because of the tax advantages associated with discount bonds, there should be a tendency for high tax bracket investors to hold discount bonds and for low tax bracket investors to hold par and near-par bonds. An empirical consquence of this is that the after-tax term structure and implied tax rates may be different across different sets of bonds. The objective of this study is to test empirically for tax-induced clienteles in the market for government bonds with a regression methodology. Nonlinear least squares is used to simultaneously estimate the after-tax term structure and the corresponding implied tax rates. The estimation is performed on each group separately and on the entire sample. The null hypothesis is that the sets of parameters describing the after-tax term structure are equal across the groups. The alternative hypothesis, which will be termed the tax clientele hypothesis, is that sets of parameters are not equal across the groups.

A research submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce (Taxation), Johannesburg, 2017 / South Africa is young democratic country with just 22 years in democracy underpinned by the South African Constitution Act of 1996. Achievements and strides have been made to address the ills of the past but like any other emerging economy, major challenges remain. These challenges impact on business and the society at large. These challenges include lack of education, high rate of unemployment, high levels of inequality, lack of infrastructure and investment stimulate growth. This has been compounded by the slowdown in the world economy. The culmination of these issues has resulted in slow or very little economic growth. The South African Government remains instrumental in the development of the economy. Much is still required to ensure that there is prosperity for all that live in the country. The Government has come-up with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 as the economic growth strategy to address these major challenges. There are various programmes and plans set up by the Government to address these challenges. This research discusses some of the initiatives to address these challenges. As mentioned above, one of the critical issues facing South Africa is the lack of infrastructure and investment to boost the South African economy. The focus of this report is on tax incentives to support Small Medium Enterprises and industry at large with a view that development of Small Medium Enterprises will yield economic growth. Reputable institutions such as OECD share a view that development and growth of SMEs is quite critical to the economic growth, SMEs are equally important for South African economic growth. ‘SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) account for 60 to 70 per cent of jobs in most OECD countries, with a particularly large share in Italy and Japan, and a relatively smaller share in the United States. Throughout they also account for a disproportionately large share of new jobs, especially in those countries which have displayed a strong employment record, including the United States and the Netherlands.’ OECD publication, SMALL BUSINESSES, JOB CREATION AND GROWTH: FACTS, OBSTACLES AND BEST PRACTICE. One can argue that with 60 to 70 per cent of jobs for most OECD countries, Small Medium Enterprises are actually the economic drivers for these countries. / XL2018

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce (specialising in Taxation) Johannesburg, 2015 / Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) play a key role in the development of the economy and are a significant contributor to employment. In South Africa (SA), SMMEs employ more than 68.2% of the work force in the private sector. To achieve the objective of economic growth, job creation as well as income redistribution, the government is actively promoting SMMEs. The SMMEs increase the average employment rate in SA by pulling into production unemployed low skilled labour, whose skills level is not sufficient to qualify for employment in larger firms. How do the South African tax compliance burden and tax incentives for SMMEs measure up in comparison to the tax compliance burden and tax incentives for SMMEs in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA)? The research reviews the tax compliance burden and tax incentives of SMMEs in SA in comparison to the tax compliance burden and tax incentives of the UK and the USA. The research was conducted through an extensive review of the literature. The literature review has indicated that tax compliance is one of the main burdens acting as a deterrent to the formalization of SMMEs for tax purposes. The review of the literature also indicated that National Treasury is trying very hard to ease the burden of tax compliance on SMMEs. Key words: Income tax, SMMEs, tax compliance costs, tax incentives, turnover tax, value-added tax, venture capital.

Subvenções e Assistências Governamentais compreendem uma contribuição econômica constituída por fundos públicos. A norma contábil as define como uma contribuição econômica pecuniária, que não se restringe somente à entrega de dinheiro, mas também de ativo que é outros tipo de incentivo, a exemplo da entrega de um ativo operacional (terreno, máquina e equipamentos), empréstimos com taxas de juros subsidiadas, incentivos fiscais federais, estaduais e municipais, financiamento para projetos e suas etapas de pesquisa, fundos de desenvolvimento regionais, dentre outros. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou descrever as características que classificam as empresas que se beneficiam de tais incentivos . O escopo do estudo é descritivo, com uso de variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas, tomando como referência o estudo de Rezende (2015). Foi realizada uma análise documental a partir dos dados das empresas listadas no índice IBRX-100 da BM&FBovespa. Foram analisadas 791 notas explicativas correspondentes a 113 empresas entre os períodos de 2008 a 2014. As notas foram coletadas a partir dos sites da CVM e BM&FBovespa e para a realização das análises estatísticas dos dados utilizou-se a técnica de regressão logística, por meio do software Stata. Foi possível identificar que 48 empresas, correspondente a 43% da amostra, se beneficiaram de algum programa de incentivo do governo. Assim, quantificou-se R$ 30 bilhões de reais oferecidos pelos governos em subvenções ou assistências governamentais, no período estudado, com destaque para os setores de energia elétrica, consumo cíclico, comércio, construção e engenharia, e metalúrgica. Estes setores econômicos foram os mais incentivados e os Estados de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais contendo a maior concentração de empresas subsidiadas. Os resultados estatísticos apontam que as empresas mais lucrativas recebem mais subvenções e tem mais oportunidades de se beneficiar quando comparadas com empresas menos lucrativas. As variáveis tamanho da empresa e adoção das IFRS se mostraram igualmente significativas, sendo que a transição às normas internacionais aumentou o nível de divulgação das informações referentes às subvenções e às assistências governamentais recebidas, por estas empresas. Também se mostraram estatisticamente significativos o fato das empresas serem auditadas por grandes firmas de auditoria e o controle acionário ser privado. Estatisticamente, o fato da companhia apresentar contingências fiscais classificadas como prováveis e possíveis diminuem as oportunidades para a empresa poder se beneficiar de subvenções. O fato das empresas captarem recursos do BNDES foi estatisticamente significativo; cabe ressaltar que este tipo de financiamento já representa por se uma forma de subvenção. No entanto, a idade da empresa, o nível de governança corporativa e o custo de capital de terceiros, não apresentaram resultados estatisticamente significantes. Estes resultados coincidem com algumas das características já identificadas por Rezende (2015), quem analisou mais detalhadamente o impacto dos incentivos fiscais sobre os retornos, políticas de investimento e decisões de financiamento das empresas. Assim, pode-se concluir que as características destas empresas representam variáveis relevantes para avaliar a probabilidade de determinada empresa usufruir ou não subvenções ou incentivos fiscais / Governmental Grants subsidies are an economic contribution offered with public funds, the accounting standard defines them as a financial economic contribution that is not restricted to be the delivery only in cash but also with assets as other kind or incentives, as an example, a Public institution can donate a fixed asset (land , machinery and equipment) , or give loans with lower interest rates than the market, it can be offer tax holidays, finance projects in early stages of research and development, and it can institutionalize regional development funds, among others. In this context, this study aimed to identify the characteristics that classify companies that benefit from these resources. The scope of the study is descriptive with help of quantitative and qualitative variables with reference to the study of Rezende (2015). A survey data analysis was conducted with financial data of companies listed on IBRX-100 BM & FBovespa index . 791 financial notes corresponding to 113 companies in the years 2008 to 2014 were reviewed. They were collected from the websites of CVM and BM&FBovespa and for the statistical analysis a logistic regression using Stata software was applied. It was possible to identify that 48 companies corresponding to 43% of the sample were benefited quantifying around R$30 billion offered as government assistance during the study period for the sample. The emphasis is given to electrical energy, metallurgic, trade, construction and engineering, and metal as the most encouraged economic sectors, and the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais with the highest concentration of subsidized companies. Statistical results also show that most profitable companies receive grants and have more opportunities to benefit from it compared to less profitable companies. Also, the size of the company and the variable IFRS were equally significant, what seems to encourage that the transition to international standards increased disclosure of information relating to subsidies and government assistance by these companies. It was also statistically significant that companies be audited by large firms. Statistically, the fact that the company present tax contingencies classified as probable and possible decrease opportunities for the company to benefit from this public funds. And it was statistically significant that companies capture BNDES funds, resources that already represents a form of subsidy. These results coincide with some of the features already identified by Rezende (2015) were the author analyzed in detail the impact of tax incentives on returns, investment policies and business financing decisions. By this, we can conclude that statistically significant features may indicate an impact on the likelihood of companies to use subsidies or incentives from the government

A partir de pontos específicos da teoria bakhtiniana e de elementos da semiótica da cultura traçados pela Escola de Tártu-Moscou, o presente trabalho reúne fundamentos para desenvolver uma concepção de cultura em consonância com o preconizado pela Constituição Federal. A construção da noção de cultura estimulável, pela precípua análise dos enunciados constitucionais, objetiva à superação de uma concepção antropológica de cultura, passadista e incompatível com os postulados da igualdade e da liberdade. Neste intento, ingressa-se no estudo dos modos de intervenção estatal na sociedade e, mais especificamente, das normas atinentes ao estímulo fiscal à cultura objeto imediato do presente trabalho. A classificação dos incentivos fiscais, bem como o escrutínio da legislação ordinária revelam o viés analítico do tratamento dispensado ao tema. Por sua vez, a investigação semântica de expressões como incentivo fiscal, cultura nacional, cultura popular, todas encontradas em dispositivos constitucionais, assoalha a preocupação hermenêutica e possibilita que se faça a devida crítica da doutrina especializada. Concluir-se-á que o conceito de cultura supera o dado, a memória. A cultura será tomada em seu sentido praticamente avesso às noções correntes de herança e tradição. Para fazer jus ao incentivo fiscal, a cultura deverá carnavalizar a ordem será a vez do rompimento icástico. / From particular points in Bakhtinian theory and elements of semiotics of culture outlined by the School of Tartu-Moscow, this paper presents the basis for the development of a culture conception in agreement with the provisions of the Federal Constitution. The construction of the concept of inducible culture by means of the essential analysis of constitutional propositions aims to overcome an anthropological conception of culture, outdated and incompatible with the postulates of equality and freedom. In this regard, this study advances into the forms of state intervention in society and, more specifically, into the rules relating to the fiscal incentives to culture, which is the immediate object of this study. The tax incentives classificationl, as well as the scrutiny of ordinary legislation, reveal the bias of the analytical treatment of the subject. On its turn, the semantical research of terms such as \"tax incentives\", \"national culture\", \"popular culture\", all found in constitutional provisions, are the basis of hermeneutic concerns and allows that the appropriate criticism to specialized doctrine is effected. It will be concluded that the concept of culture exceeds the data, the memory. Culture will be considered under concepts opposite to the current notions of \"heritage\" and \"tradition\". To be eligible to fiscal incentives, culture shall carnivalize order it will be the turn of the iconic break.

A inovação tecnológica tem sido considerada um fator essencial e decisivo para a boa performance de uma economia e, portanto, foco de profundos debates e estudos ao longo das últimas décadas. No contexto brasileiro, a matéria é relativamente recente quando comparadas com países estrangeiros. Por outro lado, a dinâmica presenciada traz a oportunidade de participar ativamente deste processo de consolidação dos mecanismos de inovação, especialmente aqueles que tratam da interação entre Universidade e Empresa. Neste sentido, desponta-se o questionamento sobre qual o papel dos ambientes especializados como os Parques Tecnológicos dentro do Sistema Nacional de Inovação Brasileiro? Como contribuição prática, a partir da experiência do autor, apresenta-se a proposição de um modelo para criação de um ambiente no qual empresas privadas possam desenvolver programas de inovação colaborativa. Como forma de aplicação prática, tal modelo proposto está sendo utilizado como base na construção do Núcleo Parque Tecnológico da Universidade de São Paulo e encontra-se em estágio avançado de negociações de parcerias e investimentos público-privado. Como contribuição acadêmica, o autor busca identificar e analisar os diversos conceitos sobre ambientes de inovação e mecanismos de incentivo à inovação, especialmente aqueles que dizem respeito ao seu financiamento a fim de amparar a proposição do modelo. / Technological innovation has been considered an essential and decisive factor for the good performance of an economy and, therefore, the focus of deep debates and studies over the last decades. In the Brazilian context, the matter is relatively recent when compared with foreign countries. On the other hand, the dynamics witnessed the opportunity to participate actively in this process of consolidation of innovation mechanisms, especially those that deal with the interaction between University and Company. In this sense, the question arises as to the role of specialized environments such as Technology Parks within the Brazilian National Innovation System? As a practical contribution, based on the author\'s experience, a proposal is presented for a model for creating an environment in which private companies can develop collaborative innovation programs. As a practical application, such a proposed model is being used as a basis for the construction of the Technological Park Nucleus of the University of São Paulo and is at an advanced stage of negotiations of public-private partnerships and investments. As an academic contribution, the author seeks to identify and analyze the various concepts about innovation environments and mechanisms to encourage innovation, especially those that concern their financing in order to support the proposition of the model.

O texto discute o conceito e o regime jurídico dos incentivos e das renúncias fiscais no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. Essas medidas jurídicas resultam do exercício da mesma competência legislativa que fundamenta a cobrança de tributos, mas os problemas jurídicos que suscitam não são exatamente os mesmos que se apresentam ordinariamente no debate tributário. Mais do que simplesmente normas tributárias, as leis que instituem incentivos fiscais configuram instrumentos para intervir na realidade social e modificá-la e precisam ser assim examinadas. Já não se trata apenas de resguardar o interesse privado do contribuinte contra a tributação indevida, excessiva ou intempestiva. O conflito entre fisco e contribuinte dá lugar à cooperação, e a norma tributária converte-se em ferramenta jurídica de indução de comportamentos e transformação da sociedade. Por isso, no estudo do tema, destaca-se não apenas a maneira como a regra de incentivo opera em relação ao dever fiscal, para eliminá-lo ou reduzi-lo, mas especialmente o modo como ela afeta a arrecadação fiscal e a conduta dos destinatários legais. Para tanto, propõe-se modelo de análise atento a três elementos: finalidade, regra e efeito externo. É fundamental considerar os propósitos que orientam a formulação da regra de incentivo, assim como os resultados concretos que produz. Essa forma de enxergar o fenômeno da exoneração fiscal favorece o controle de resultados e permite dar conta dos incentivos e renúncias fiscais como dois aspectos do mesmo fenômeno jurídico. / The text discusses the concept and legal regime of tax expenditure and tax incentives in the Brazilian Legal Framework. These measures derive from exercise of same legislative competency which establishes tax exaction, but the legal problems that derive from it are not exactly the same as those that included in revenue issue. More than simple fiscal rules, laws that constitute tax incentives are instruments of intervention and transformation of social reality, and need to be examined in this manner. It is no longer a question of safeguarding the taxpayers private interest against undue, excessive or hastily taxation. The conflict between the Public Treasury and taxpayers is replaced by cooperation, and the tax rule is converted into a legal instrument used to induce behaviors and to transform society. Hence, while studying the topic, not only how incentives rules relate to fiscal duty in order to eliminate or reduce it matter, but especially how they affect tax exaction and the conduct of its legal receiver. Therefore, an analytical model composed of the following three elements is proposed: purpose, rule and external effect, It is also fundamental to consider the intentions that guide formulation of incentives rule and its actual results. The way of foreseeing the fulfillment a tax duty enhances control over its results and allows rendering tax waivers incentives as two aspects of the same legal phenomenon.

Subvenções e Assistências Governamentais compreendem uma contribuição econômica constituída por fundos públicos. A norma contábil as define como uma contribuição econômica pecuniária, que não se restringe somente à entrega de dinheiro, mas também de ativo que é outros tipo de incentivo, a exemplo da entrega de um ativo operacional (terreno, máquina e equipamentos), empréstimos com taxas de juros subsidiadas, incentivos fiscais federais, estaduais e municipais, financiamento para projetos e suas etapas de pesquisa, fundos de desenvolvimento regionais, dentre outros. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou descrever as características que classificam as empresas que se beneficiam de tais incentivos . O escopo do estudo é descritivo, com uso de variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas, tomando como referência o estudo de Rezende (2015). Foi realizada uma análise documental a partir dos dados das empresas listadas no índice IBRX-100 da BM&FBovespa. Foram analisadas 791 notas explicativas correspondentes a 113 empresas entre os períodos de 2008 a 2014. As notas foram coletadas a partir dos sites da CVM e BM&FBovespa e para a realização das análises estatísticas dos dados utilizou-se a técnica de regressão logística, por meio do software Stata. Foi possível identificar que 48 empresas, correspondente a 43% da amostra, se beneficiaram de algum programa de incentivo do governo. Assim, quantificou-se R$ 30 bilhões de reais oferecidos pelos governos em subvenções ou assistências governamentais, no período estudado, com destaque para os setores de energia elétrica, consumo cíclico, comércio, construção e engenharia, e metalúrgica. Estes setores econômicos foram os mais incentivados e os Estados de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais contendo a maior concentração de empresas subsidiadas. Os resultados estatísticos apontam que as empresas mais lucrativas recebem mais subvenções e tem mais oportunidades de se beneficiar quando comparadas com empresas menos lucrativas. As variáveis tamanho da empresa e adoção das IFRS se mostraram igualmente significativas, sendo que a transição às normas internacionais aumentou o nível de divulgação das informações referentes às subvenções e às assistências governamentais recebidas, por estas empresas. Também se mostraram estatisticamente significativos o fato das empresas serem auditadas por grandes firmas de auditoria e o controle acionário ser privado. Estatisticamente, o fato da companhia apresentar contingências fiscais classificadas como prováveis e possíveis diminuem as oportunidades para a empresa poder se beneficiar de subvenções. O fato das empresas captarem recursos do BNDES foi estatisticamente significativo; cabe ressaltar que este tipo de financiamento já representa por se uma forma de subvenção. No entanto, a idade da empresa, o nível de governança corporativa e o custo de capital de terceiros, não apresentaram resultados estatisticamente significantes. Estes resultados coincidem com algumas das características já identificadas por Rezende (2015), quem analisou mais detalhadamente o impacto dos incentivos fiscais sobre os retornos, políticas de investimento e decisões de financiamento das empresas. Assim, pode-se concluir que as características destas empresas representam variáveis relevantes para avaliar a probabilidade de determinada empresa usufruir ou não subvenções ou incentivos fiscais / Governmental Grants subsidies are an economic contribution offered with public funds, the accounting standard defines them as a financial economic contribution that is not restricted to be the delivery only in cash but also with assets as other kind or incentives, as an example, a Public institution can donate a fixed asset (land , machinery and equipment) , or give loans with lower interest rates than the market, it can be offer tax holidays, finance projects in early stages of research and development, and it can institutionalize regional development funds, among others. In this context, this study aimed to identify the characteristics that classify companies that benefit from these resources. The scope of the study is descriptive with help of quantitative and qualitative variables with reference to the study of Rezende (2015). A survey data analysis was conducted with financial data of companies listed on IBRX-100 BM & FBovespa index . 791 financial notes corresponding to 113 companies in the years 2008 to 2014 were reviewed. They were collected from the websites of CVM and BM&FBovespa and for the statistical analysis a logistic regression using Stata software was applied. It was possible to identify that 48 companies corresponding to 43% of the sample were benefited quantifying around R$30 billion offered as government assistance during the study period for the sample. The emphasis is given to electrical energy, metallurgic, trade, construction and engineering, and metal as the most encouraged economic sectors, and the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais with the highest concentration of subsidized companies. Statistical results also show that most profitable companies receive grants and have more opportunities to benefit from it compared to less profitable companies. Also, the size of the company and the variable IFRS were equally significant, what seems to encourage that the transition to international standards increased disclosure of information relating to subsidies and government assistance by these companies. It was also statistically significant that companies be audited by large firms. Statistically, the fact that the company present tax contingencies classified as probable and possible decrease opportunities for the company to benefit from this public funds. And it was statistically significant that companies capture BNDES funds, resources that already represents a form of subsidy. These results coincide with some of the features already identified by Rezende (2015) were the author analyzed in detail the impact of tax incentives on returns, investment policies and business financing decisions. By this, we can conclude that statistically significant features may indicate an impact on the likelihood of companies to use subsidies or incentives from the government

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2015-10-19T17:43:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 FABIANE PADILHA DA SILVA_.pdf: 2546516 bytes, checksum: 0abe70b9e110c737b88a9a25908d408a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-19T17:43:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FABIANE PADILHA DA SILVA_.pdf: 2546516 bytes, checksum: 0abe70b9e110c737b88a9a25908d408a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-21 / Nenhuma / Esta dissertação objetiva identificar quais são os benefícios colaterais resultantes da Lei do Bem na atividade inovativa percebidos por empresas selecionadas no RS no período de 2006 a 2012. A Lei 11.196 de 21 de novembro de 2005, ou Lei do Bem, é um mecanismo que busca promover a atividade inovativa nas empresas através da concessão de incentivos fiscais, que são considerados como benefícios fiscais. O Rio Grande do Sul ocupa o segundo lugar no país na utilização desses incentivos fiscais, como informa o Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (MCTI) no período de 2006 a 2012 no Relatório de Utilização dos Incentivos Fiscais da Lei do Bem (RAUIF). Esse mostrou-se o motivo inicial que fez com que empresas gaúchas fossem pesquisadas. Para isso foi necessário, à luz da Teoria Evolucionária, buscar referências em autores da linha neo-schumpeteriana e também outros estudiosos. Como temas de relevância para responder à problemática foram buscados aqueles relacionados à inovação e incentivos fiscais à inovação. Quanto à inovação, além da conceituação específica, consideraram-se os motivos para inovar, como inovar através do uso do conhecimento, habilidades e aprendizado e os riscos inerentes ao processo inovativo. No que tange aos incentivos fiscais à inovação, buscou-se avaliar o cenário internacional e as políticas de ciência, tecnologia e inovação (CT&I) para tornar mais adequada a análise quanto ao tema central. Optou-se pela realização de uma pesquisa de campo com o uso de estudo de casos múltiplos. Foram feitas entrevistas com roteiro pré-definido em seis empresas que possuem suas sedes no RS. Os respondentes estavam diretamente envolvidos com a pesquisa e desenvolvimento (P&D) e inovação, fazendo parte do setor contábil/financeiro, planejamento e engenharia. O estudo identificou quatro benefícios colaterais além daqueles presumíveis em um incentivo fiscal: Adoção de controles, confiança derivada das rotinas, organização facilitadora e experiência reconhecida dos profissionais envolvidos nos projetos de pesquisa e desenvolvimento para inovação. Assim, respondendo à pergunta apresentada no título desse trabalho: ‘Lei do Bem: É possível ir além dos benefícios fiscais?’, responde-se: sim. E, ao longo da dissertação esses benefícios serão identificados. / This dissertation aims to identify what are the side benefits of the Lei do Bem in innovative activity perceived by companies selected in the RS from 2006 to 2012. Law 11.196 of november 21, 2005, or the Lei do Bem, is a mechanism that seeks promote innovative activity in companies by granting tax incentives, which are considered as tax benefits. The Rio Grande do Sul ranks second in the country in the use of these tax incentives, as reported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) in the 2006-2012 period in the Usage Report of Tax Incentives of the Good Law (RAUIF). This proved to be the initial reason that made local companies were surveyed. This required, in the light of Evolutionary Theory, check references on authors of neo-Schumpeterian line and also other scholars. How important issues to address the problem were sought those related to innovation and tax incentives for innovation. As for innovation, beyond the specific concept, they considered the reasons to innovate, how to innovate through the use of knowledge, skills and learning and the risks inherent in the innovation process. With regard to tax incentives for innovation, we sought to assess the international scene and science, technology and innovation (ST & I) policies to make it suitable for analysis as the central theme. It was decided to carry out a field survey using multiple case study. Interviews were conducted with pre-defined script in six companies that have their headquarters in RS. Respondents were directly involved with the research and development (R & D) and innovation as part of the accounting / finance, planning and engineering. The study identified four side benefits beyond those alleged in a tax break: Adoption of controls, confidence derived from routines , facilitating organization and recognized expertise of professionals involved in research and development projects for innovation. Thus, answering the question posed in the title of this work: ' Lei do Bem: Is it possible to go beyond the tax relief', he replied: yes. And along this dissertation these benefits will be identified.

The private sector in developing countries plays a key role in job-creation and is central to economic development and poverty alleviation. Governments around the world use various policies and regulations targeting firms in an attempt to foster growth. This dissertation focuses on the interplay between government policies, firm behavior, and labor markets in India. In Chapter 1, I study the impact of a location-based tax incentive scheme in India. Location-based policies that target particular geographic regions are widely used by governments, but there have been few rigorous evaluations of their causal impacts especially in the context of developing countries. Using aggregated and firm-level panel data, I find large increases in employment, total output, fixed capital, and the number of firms as a result of the program. These increases are due to both the growth of existing firms as well as the entry of new firms. There is supporting evidence that the new firms entering the treated regions are larger and more productive. I find no evidence for relocation of firms or spillovers in industrial activity between treatment and control areas. Finally, using data from household surveys, I show that wages of workers rise but find no changes in housing rents or migration across the treated and control regions. My results therefore suggest that the policy increased welfare, and I also conclude that the policy was cost-effective. This provides support for place-based policies to correct for regional economic disparities, especially in settings with low labor mobility. In the next chapter, I focus on the effects of a place-based policy on informal firms. The informal sector in India is a major component of economic activity covering more than 80% of the workforce. More often than not, the informal sector is beyond the ambit of tax authorities, hurting public finances in India. In Chapter 2, I study the impact of the federally financed location-based tax incentive scheme (studied in Chapter 1) on informal firms in India. Using a difference-in-differences approach with bordering districts, neighboring states, and major states as control groups, I find no evidence for increases in employment, total output, gross value added, and registration status for informal firms on average. However, separating informal firms into those that do not hire regular workers (Own Account Manufacturing Enterprises) and those that hire workers (Non-directory manufacturing enterprises/Directory Manufacturing Enterprises) reveals heterogeneous effects. I find that the policy change led to a higher likelihood of registration by NDME/DMEs but no effect on OAMEs. The policy change did not impact the size of these different kinds of firms. This chapter provides suggestive evidence that tax-exemption schemes can be a useful policy tool to incentivize informal firms to register. In Chapter 3, I revisit the contentious labor laws in India and their effects on hiring decisions of firms faced with demand shocks. Labor regulations in India differ by states and apply differently across types of laborers. The most restrictive laws make it harder to fire permanent workers for firms. However, these laws do not apply to workers hired through contractors (contract workers). Using firm-level data from India, I find that compared to firms in flexible labor regulations, those in more restrictive labor regimes hire more contract workers as a response to transitory local demand shocks. I find no differential response in hiring of permanent workers by firms faced with these shocks. This suggests that firms circumvent labor laws by hiring workers indirectly through contractors in the face of economic fluctuations.