From the outset, turnover taxes have played a fundamental role in the European integration process. Harmonisation of these taxes was perceived an integral part of achieving a common market, and for this reason it was given priority. Over forty years since the introduction of a common VAT system,...

This paper provides a legal and economic analysis of the European Commission’s recent proposals for reforming the application of VAT to financial services, with particular focus on their “third pillar”, under which firms would be allowed to opt-into taxation on exempt insurance and...

Comments on the Chancery Division decision in Weald Leasing Ltd v Revenue and Customs Commissioners on whether a leasing arrangement made by a partially exempt body seeking to defer the payment of irrecoverable VAT passed the EC abuse of rights test established in Halifax Plc v Customs and...

The Court of Justice has been alluding to abuse and abusive practices in its rulings for more than thirty years.For a long time however the significance of these references was unclear. Not many commentators delved into this issue, and the few that did doubted whether the references by the Court...