3. Relationship between tax revenues, deadweight loss, and demand elasticity
The government is considering levying a tax of $25 per unit on suppliers of either windbreakers or bucket hats. The supply curve for each of these two
goods is identical, as you can see on each of the following graphs. The demand for windbreakers is shown by Dw (on the first graph), and the
demand for bucket hats is shown by DB (on the second graph).
Suppose the government taxes windbreakers. The following graph shows the annual supply and demand for this good. It also shows the supply curve
(S+ Tax) shifted up by the amount of the proposed tax ($25 per windbreaker).
On the following graph, use the green rectangle (triangle symbols) to shade the area that represents tax revenue for windbreakers. Then use the
black triangle (plus symbols) to shade the area that represents the deadweight loss associated with the tax.
Dollars per windbreaker)
Windbreakers Market
60
55
Supply
50
S+Tax
Tax Revenue
45
40
35
25
Dw
Deadweight Loss