In: Economics
If taxes affect both demand and supply, discuss the effect of an increase in taxes on the equilibrium price and quantity.
Answer:
Effect of tax on equilibrium quantity
When there is tax, the quantity falls to a level where the difference between before tax demand and before tax supply is equal to the amount of tax.
As a result, there is dead weight loss and there is fall in consumer surplus.
Effect of tax on equilibrium price
Also, the equilibrium price is higher for consumer due to the extra tax burden that they have to bear.