This chapter considers key aspects of that literature. It starts (in Section 2) by explaining what is usually meant by the term “operating costs” and discussing some of the conceptual issues that arise. It then reviews (in Section 3) the research that has taken place on this topic, including...

Small firms suffer far more than large firmsSuccessive governments have promised to reduce business red tape, whilst doing nothing about it. In fact, with regard to the tax system, ever-greater numbers of taxes and ever-greater complexity have increased burdens on businesses by turning firms...

Successive governments have promised to reduce business red tape, whilst doing nothing about it. In fact, with regard to the tax system, ever-greater numbers of taxes and ever-greater complexity have increased burdens on businesses by turning firms into unpaid tax collectors.Research into the...

This paper seeks to assess the effectiveness of customs policies in increasing the resources devoted to controlling and inspection. Specifically, it seeks to analyze whether an increase in the administrative cost of collecting taxes on foreign trade in Ecuador contributes to reducing customs...