Textbook Problem

How would each of the following changes tend to affect aggregate (i.e., the average for all corporations) payout ratios, other things held constant? Explain your answers.

1. a. An increase in the personal income tax rate
2. b. A liberalization of depreciation for federal income tax purposes–that is, faster tax write-offs
3. c. An increase in interest rates
4. d. An increase in corporate profits
5. e. A decline in investment opportunities
6. f. Permission for corporations to deduct dividends for tax purposes as they now deduct interest expense
7. g. A change in the Tax Code so that realized and unrealized long-term capital gains in any year are taxed at the same rate as. ordinary income