The theoretical and practical advantages of the VAT have led to its adoption in some form or another by most countries and by many hundreds of subnational administrations worldwide. However, nowhere is VAT found without exemptions. Exemptions are arguably the most controversial feature of VAT...

The service provided by financial institutions such as banks is described as an "intermediary service", linking depositors with money to lend and borrowers seeking loan funds. Banks collect a fee for these services through the spread on interest they pay to depositors and charge to borrowers. At...