We study the problem of optimal taxation in three infinite-horizon, re
presentative-agent endogenous growth models. The first model is a conv
ex model in which physical and human capital are perfectly symmetric.
Our second model incorporates elastic labor supply through a Lucas-sty
le technology. Analysis of these two models points out the danger of a
ssuming that government expenditures are exogenous. In our third model
, we include government expenditures as a productive input in capital
formation, showing that the limiting tax rate on capital is no longer
zero. In numerical simulations, we find similar effects on growth and
welfare in all three models.