Evidence from the dead: new estimates of wealth inequality based on the distribution of estates

Alvaredo, Facundo ORCID: 0009-0002-1530-9150, Berman, Yonatan and Morelli, Salvatore (2025) Evidence from the dead: new estimates of wealth inequality based on the distribution of estates. III Working Paper (149). International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

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Abstract

This paper examines the estimation of the distribution of wealth using estates left at death. We establish formal conditions for implementing a simplified version of the classic estate multiplier method, relying solely on minimal information about estates and mortality. These conditions are empirically validated, and the simplified approach is applied to produce new long-run top wealth share series for Belgium, Japan, and South Africa, where estate data have previously been underutilized. This method holds potential for expanding the range of countries and years in which wealth concentration can be estimated, especially where estate data exist but the standard method with heterogeneous multipliers is inapplicable.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Authors
Divisions:	International Inequalities Institute
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
JEL classification:	D - Microeconomics > D3 - Distribution > D30 - General H - Public Economics > H2 - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue > H20 - General
Date Deposited:	05 Feb 2025 13:45
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2025 00:13
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127181

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