PARTICULARITIES OF INDIRECT TAXATION IN COUNTRIES OF THE EU

Abstract

Modern business conditions require the formation of new management tools, particularly in the financial sphere. Under such conditions, the issue of effective taxation is gaining special relevance. Traditionally, the tax system of any country consists of direct and indirect taxes. In recent years, issues related to managing indirect taxes – such as VAT, GST, customs and excise duties – have risen on the corporate agenda. However, there is currently no universal model for the ratio of direct and indirect taxes, because there are a significant number of factors that affect the level of budget filling and payment administration. The article is devoted to the study of indirect taxation in EU countries. Indirect taxes are an increasingly essential source of revenue for governments worldwide. Indirect taxes are generally simple, both for the government to levy and collect since they are applied broadly and automatically included in purchases. This does not mean that these taxes are transparent. Gross receipts taxes lead to tax pyramiding, while sales taxes are clearly marked on invoices and receipts. Indirect taxes, like value-added taxes (VAT) and retail sales taxes, can be neutral because they have little effect on consumer behaviour and apply to all business models the same. Indirect taxes like excise taxes are not neutral because they target specific industries and activities, like cigarettes and alcohol. The article examines the types of indirect taxes, the main trends in the formation of indirect taxation, and its legal regulation in EU countries. It was determined that taxes on production and imports (indirect taxes) and imports accounted for 13.8% of GDP. Based on the results of the study, the main areas of harmonization of indirect taxes in Europe were formed.