In recent years, applied income distribution research has comprised two distinct and largely non-intersecting literatures: studies based on household survey data; and the more recent ‘top incomes’ literature based on tax records data.

In this paper, we draw on Australian tax records and household survey data for the period 2001 to 2013 to link these two literatures, showing how the income concept and unit of analysis affect levels and trends in income and its distribution. As part of our analysis, we also consider the effects of moving to broader notions of income than typically examined in income distribution studies, incorporating estimates of in-kind income, taxes on expenditure and accrued capital gains. We find substantial differences in levels of income and income inequality across income measures, although changes in inequality are relatively similar across many of the income measures.

Roger Wilkins joined the Melbourne Institute in 2001 and works in the HILDA Survey team, in which he is Deputy Director (Research). He holds a BCom(Hons), MCom(Hons) and PhD from the University of Melbourne and an MSc from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include the nature, causes and consequences of labour market outcomes; the distribution and dynamics of individuals’ economic well-being; and the incidence and determinants of poverty, social exclusion and welfare dependence.

The seminar is based on the paper Levels and trends in Australian income and its distribution: a crosswalk from market income towards a comprehensive Haig-Simons income approach by Richard V Burkhauser, Markus Hahn and Roger Wilkins.

A light lunch will be provided 12 - 12.25pm. Please register your attendance at the register button.