The mystery of the vanishing taxpayer
Article Abstract:
National borders are becoming less important, and this has implications for the tax system. There is concern that the internet could erode governments' abilities to collect tax, and that tax competition could lead to a drop in tax revenues as countries seek to attract investors though lower taxes. Tax havens are an extreme form of this practice. There have been proposals for a World Tax Organization, but this is not likely to occur while national interests predominate in tax systems.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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Net losses
Article Abstract:
The internet may make the job of tax authorities more difficult, since it means that the location of businesses can more easily be disguised, and that records are more likely to be stored electronically than on paper. There is also a possibility that tax havens will become more accessible. One person can operate in a number of countries from one desk, and this means that the location of economic activities is more difficult to assess. Delivery channles with tax advantages may be more successful than those without.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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The happy e-shopper
Article Abstract:
US sales taxes could be affected by the rise of online shopping, which makes it possible to buy goods without paying tax. The Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce is studying the issue, and was established under the Internet tax Freedom Act of 1998. Consumption is generally taxed at national level in richer countries, though this is not the case for the US. European Union value-added taxes are levied in the country where goods and services are consumed, but it is more difficult to keep track of services and ensure that they are taxed.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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