The Energy-Saving Effect of Tax Rebates: The Impact of Tax Refunds on Corporate Total Factor Energy Productivity

This paper investigates whether and how tax and fee support policies at the firm level in China influence the total factor energy productivity of enterprises. Using panel data from Chinese public trading companies for the period 2004–2020, this study employs a panel model for estimation. The findings suggest that tax rebates contribute to the improvement of the total factor energy productivity of enterprises. Specifically, a 1% increase in tax refunds leads to a growth of approximately 0.008% in total factor energy productivity. Robustness tests and endogeneity checks confirm the validity of the results. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that tax rebates have a significant impact on state-owned enterprises, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and non-technology firms in terms of enhancing their total factor energy productivity. Mechanism analysis indicates that tax rebates facilitate firms in alleviating financing constraints and enhancing their innovation capabilities, thereby improving energy efficiency. The research findings of this paper provide empirical support for optimizing policy supply, improving energy usage efficiency, and promoting the development of a globally sustainable economy.