Misconceptions about Value-Added and Retail Sales Taxes: Are They Barriers to Sensible Tax Policy?

摘要

Retail sales and value-added taxes both aim to tax consumption, but lawmakers, the public, and academics view them differently. Several American states have sought increased retail sales tax (RST) reliance, some have argued for a national RST, but a value-added tax (VAT) remains anathema. Conversely, international observers strongly reject the RST in favor of the VAT. This paper examines these views from the standpoints of administration, transparency, rate increases, and breadth to see how misconceptions might be involved.