E.E.C. sales tax harmonization: an alternative scheme

Abstract

The EEC sales tax harmonisation guidelines suggest for the whole Common Market area should be covered by an entirely harmonised value added tax, to be levied by each member country on the tax basis originating in its territory at the same rates and with the same exemptions and assessment procedures. The present article argues that even if politically attractive from the “free movement” point of view, the EEC sales tax harmonisation scheme, in its apparent simplicity, is open to criticism on economic grounds. The author first briefly outlines the present sales tax situation in Western Europe. An analysis of the main criticisms of the EEC sales tax scheme, the most important of which relating to fiscal policy considerations, is then provided. Finally, the author proposes an alternative scheme with greater flexibility which retains similar political merits but is economically less crude and less objectionable.

JEL: E62, F15, F36, H21