“Hauser’s Law”: Can Tax Revenues Exceed 19% of GDP? May 17, 2010 Joseph Bishop-Henchman Joseph Bishop-Henchman David Ranson has an interesting piece at the Wall Street Journal about "Hauser's Law," the observation that federal tax revenues have historically not exceeded about 19%-20% of GDP despite significant increases and decreases in tax rates. The implication is that attempts to raise revenue above this purported ceiling will reduce GDP and thus reduce collections under the ceiling. An interesting read with a neat chart. Stay informed on the tax policies impacting you. Subscribe to get insights from our trusted experts delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Share Tweet Share Email Topics Center for Federal Tax Policy Individual Income and Payroll Taxes