This article explores the compliance burden imposed by the value added tax (VAT), which has traditionally been recognised as one of the more onerous taxes so far as compliance by business taxpayers is concerned. It compares the UK's VAT compliance burden with that experienced elsewhere in the...

This paper highlights the difference between statutory and effective tax rates in the value added tax in China, and explores the role of administrative discretion in generating this difference. In China, unlike in Europe where the VAT originated, there can be significant differences between...

This paper highlights the difference between statutory and effective tax rates in the value added tax in China, and explores the role of administrative discretion in generating this difference. In China, unlike in Europe where the VAT originated, there can be significant differences between...

This paper presents numerical simulation results that suggest that China can both reduce its trade imbalance and receive welfare benefits by switching the value added tax (VAT) regime from the current destination principle to an origin principle. With the tax on exports exceeding that no longer...

This paper looks at the sources for VAT design in Africa. It begins with a brief comparison of the two alternative designs used for taxes on final consumption, the retail sales tax and the value added tax. While the VAT has emerged as the consumption tax of choice outside North America, both...

To date, the focus of most literature on VAT and financial supplies has been on the appropriate treatment of the cost of financial intermediary services related to investments and business loans. This paper broadens the inquiry to a wide range of financial services including consumer loans,...

Prior to 2012, the Chinese VAT applied primarily to supplies of goods, with supplies of services, including financial services, subject to a turnover tax known as the Business Tax. The value of financial services in respect of a loan was interpreted as the gross interest payable on the loan. As...