Publication:
The Demand for, and Consequences of, Formalization among Informal Firms in Sri Lanka

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Date
2013-04
ISSN
1945-7782
Published
2013-04
Author(s)
de Mel, Suresh
Woodruff, Christopher
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Abstract
A field experiment in Sri Lanka provides informal firms incentives to formalize. Information about the registration process and reimbursement of direct costs does not increase registration. Payments equivalent to one-half to one month (alternatively, two months) of the median firm's profits leads to registration of around one-fifth (alternatively, one-half ) of firms. Land ownership issues are the most common reason for not registering. Follow-up surveys 15 to 31 months later show higher mean profits, but largely in a few firms that grew rapidly. We find little evidence for other changes in behavior, but formalized firms express more trust in the state.
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