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Value-Added Tax (VAT)

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Sources of government revenue in the OECD tax revenue by country tax collections by country data

Sources of Government Revenue in the OECD, 2025

Developed countries raise tax revenue through individual income taxes, corporate income taxes, social insurance taxes, taxes on goods and services, and property taxes—the combination of which determines how distortionary or neutral a tax system is.

4 min read
Fiscal Forum: Future of the EU Tax Mix Jost Heckemeyer

Fiscal Forum: Future of the EU Tax Mix with Dr. Jost Heckemeyer

Sean Bray interviewed Professor of Business Accounting and Taxation at the University of Kiel, Jost Heckemeyer, about the future of the EU tax mix. The interview shows that there is a trade-off between stability and flexibility in European tax policymaking. It also shows that there ought to be a balance between fairness and competitiveness when thinking about improving tax policy.

16 min read
2024 European Tax Policy Scorecard

2024 European Tax Policy Scorecard

The variety of approaches to taxation among European countries creates a need to evaluate these systems relative to each other. For that purpose, we have developed the European Tax Policy Scorecard—a relative comparison of European countries’ tax systems.

55 min read
Trump reciprocal tariffs EU VAT The European VAT is Not a Discriminatory Tax Against US Exports

The European VAT is Not a Discriminatory Tax Against US Exports

The Trump administration appears to be moving in a “reciprocal” policy direction despite the significant negative economic consequences for American consumers of across-the-board tariffs on goods coming into the US. However, the EU’s VAT system should not be used as a justification for retaliatory tariffs.

6 min read
EU VAT policy including EU VAT revenue and EU VAT compliance report

The EU’s Questionable VAT Policy

In a recent survey regarding companies’ barriers to conducting business in the EU single market, VAT ranked first. Policymakers should invest in reforming VAT systems to close both compliance and policy gaps in ways that improve the overall efficiency of their tax systems.

7 min read
2025 VAT rates in Europe, see 2025 VAT rates by country including 2025 EU VAT rates for value-added taxes

VAT Rates in Europe, 2025

More than 175 countries worldwide—including all major European countries—levy a value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services. EU Member States’ VAT rates vary across countries, though they’re somewhat harmonized by the EU.

5 min read
International Tax Competitiveness Index 2024 Global Tax Rankings by Country

International Tax Competitiveness Index 2024

While there are many factors that affect a country’s economic performance, taxes play an important role. A well-structured tax code is easy for taxpayers to comply with and can promote economic development while raising sufficient revenue for a government’s priorities.

92 min read
2024 beer taxes in Europe and EU beer tax rates or excise duty on beer

Beer Taxes in Europe, 2024

As Oktoberfest celebrations wrap up across the continent, now is a great time to examine beer taxes in the European Union. Hefty beer taxes add to the price of every drink consumed.

5 min read
Modernizing State Sales Tax Reform Options Guide

Modernizing State Sales Taxes: A Policymaker’s Guide

The sales tax is the second-largest source of state tax revenue and an important source of local tax revenue, but decades of base erosion threaten the tax’s share of overall revenue and have prompted years of countervailing rate increases.

72 min read
EU excise duties on cigarettes and 2024 EU tobacco and EU cigarette taxes in Europe

Cigarette Taxes in Europe, 2024

Explore the latest EU tobacco and cigarette tax rates, including EU excise duties on cigarettes. Compare cigarette taxes in Europe.

3 min read
Gas Taxes in Europe 2024 Gas Taxes and Diesel Taxes in Europe Fuel Tax Rates

Diesel and Gas Taxes in Europe, 2024

Gas and diesel taxes continue to be prominent policy issues throughout Europe. As the EU undergoes sweeping changes for its green transition, fuel taxes are likely to be a crucial aspect of policy discussions.

3 min read

How Are Olympians and Attendees Taxed?

The 2024 Summer Olympics are underway, drawing the attention of billions and continuing a tradition dating back thousands of years. But you know what else originated thousands of years ago and affects even more people? Taxes.

3 min read
Real Estate Transaction Tax Rates in German States

Real Estate Transaction Tax Rates in German States

The real estate transaction tax is levied on the gross sales value of a property when it changes ownership, without deductions for investment or purchasing costs. This makes the tax particularly harmful to investment in buildings and structures.

3 min read