Indirect taxes

specific-tax

An indirect tax is charged on producers of goods and services and is paid by the consumer indirectly. Examples of indirect taxes include VAT,  excise duties (cigarette, alcohol tax) and import levies. Example of VAT as an indirect tax VAT rates may be set at 20%. This percentage tax is known as an ad Valorem …

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The effect of tax cuts on economic growth and revenue

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Politicians often promise tax cuts can lead to higher productivity, higher economic growth, and even pay for themselves through a boost to long-term incomes. These promises may chime with the electorate who tend to prefer promises of tax cuts. But, do tax cuts really increase economic growth? There are two impacts of lower tax. Increasing …

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Tax revenue sources in UK

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Readers Question: Where does the UK government get its money from? UK tax revenues come from a variety of sources. The main sources of tax revenue include: Income tax (main tax rate is 20%) National Insurance (NI) – a form of income tax VAT (20% on most goods and services) Corporation tax Council Tax (local …

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Types of tax

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A tax is a charge levied by a government to raise revenue. The main types of taxes include Income tax – a percentage of income. Corporation tax – a percentage of a firm’s profit. Sales tax/VAT – an indirect tax on the sale of goods. Excise duties – taxes on alcohol, tobacco, petrol. Production taxes …

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Specific tax

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A specific tax is a fixed amount of tax placed on a particular good. It is also referred to as a per-unit tax, and the tax will depend on the quantity sold (not price). Examples of specific taxes A tax of £0.40 on 500 ml sugary drinks. A tax of £3.92 per 20 pack of …

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Hidden taxes

The concept of hidden taxes is that taxpayers may remain unaware that they are paying the tax because it is included in the price and the tax is not visible. Examples of hidden taxes include Indirect taxes – VAT, sales tax, excise duty, Insurance tax, air passenger duty. Corporation tax – a tax on company …

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The impact of taxation

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Taxation on goods, income or wealth influence economic behaviour and the distribution of resources. For example, higher taxes on carbon emissions will increase cost for producers, reduce demand and shift demand towards alternatives. Higher income tax can enable a redistribution of income within society, but may have an impact on reducing the incentives to work …

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The qualities of a good tax

There are different ways for the government to raise tax revenue. While tax is often unpopular, economists set criteria for what makes a ‘good’ and ‘fair’ tax. This includes – fairness, easy to collect, non-distortionary and increases social welfare. Principles of a good tax include Vertical equity – Fair. Vertical equity is concerned with setting …

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