Monica Singhal

Monica Singhal is a Professor of Economics at the University of California, Davis. She is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a Faculty Affiliate of the International Growth Centre. Previously, she served as Co-Editor of the Journal of Public Economics and on the National Tax Association board.

• PhD, Economics, Harvard University, 2005
• AB, Economics (magna cum laude), Harvard University, 1999

Her research focuses on public finance in low and middle-income economies, systems of taxation, and redistribution mechanisms. Key areas include informal taxation, tax compliance, and economic policy design in developing contexts.

Recent publications analyze tax evasion through fake firms, in-kind transfers as insurance mechanisms, and behavioral factors influencing tax compliance. These works span empirical analysis of enforcement limitations, policy design, and social incentives.

Scientific Awards & Grants

• Tom Mayer Distinguished Teaching Award (2018-2019)
• Research grants from Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL), International Growth Centre (IGC), and Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL)

Her teaching includes graduate and undergraduate courses in public finance, emphasizing practical and theoretical applications.