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The Long Arm of the European VAT, Exemplified by the Dutch Experience

Author

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  • Leon Bettendorf
  • Sijbren Cnossen

Abstract

The European Commission is evaluating the performance of the common VAT, which has many shortcomings. The numerous exemptions and differentiated rate structures violate the logic and functionality of the VAT. The exemptions distort input choices and outsourcing policies. Reduced rates are ill-targeted tools for mitigating the regressivity of the VAT. In view of these design shortcomings, the EU VAT is in danger of becoming an anachronism compared with modern VATs elsewhere. This paper illustrates its shortcomings with reference to the Dutch experience. The paper does not break new ground, but provides a disconcerting picture of the excess burden of a major revenue source. Bold reform is indicated.

Suggested Citation

  • Leon Bettendorf & Sijbren Cnossen, 2014. "The Long Arm of the European VAT, Exemplified by the Dutch Experience," CESifo Working Paper Series 4730, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_4730
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    File URL: https://www.cesifo.org/DocDL/cesifo1_wp4730.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Hybka Małgorzata Magdalena, 2018. "Collection Dilemmas and Performance Measures of the Value-Added Tax in Germany and Poland," International Journal of Management and Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, vol. 54(2), pages 110-121, June.
    3. Oksana N. Harkushenko, 2022. "Prospects of VAT Administration Improvement in Digitalized World: Analytical Review," Journal of Tax Reform, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University, vol. 8(1), pages 6-24.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    VAT; European Union; exemptions; reduced rates;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies

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