Glossary

Value-added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax imposed on the value added to goods and services during each stage of their production and distribution. It is designed to be collected incrementally throughout the supply chain, starting from the procurement of raw materials to the final sale to the end consumer. The fundamental principle behind VAT is that businesses act as tax collectors on behalf of the government, charging and collecting the tax from their customers and remitting it to the tax authorities.

VAT operates on the concept of value addition at each stage. When a business purchases raw materials, it pays VAT on the purchase price. However, when it sells the finished product, it charges VAT on the selling price, deducting the VAT already paid on the inputs. The difference between the VAT collected on sales and the VAT paid on purchases is the net VAT liability. This approach ensures that the tax burden is gradually passed on to the end consumer, as the VAT incurred in earlier stages becomes part of the cost of the final product.

The implementation of VAT varies across countries, including different tax rates, exemptions, and thresholds. Generally, VAT rates are determined by the government and can vary for different goods and services. Some countries may have multiple VAT rates, such as a standard rate for most goods and services and reduced rates for essential items like food, healthcare, or education. Zero-rated supplies may also exist, where VAT is charged at 0% but businesses can still claim back the VAT they paid on related inputs. Exemptions are another aspect, where certain goods or services may be entirely exempt from VAT.

VAT serves as a significant source of revenue for governments worldwide. By collecting tax at each stage of production and distribution, it provides a steady stream of income for public finances. This revenue can be utilized to fund essential services and infrastructure development. VAT is considered an efficient tax system because it reduces tax evasion opportunities. Since businesses are responsible for collecting VAT and remitting it to the government, it creates a system of checks and balances that helps minimize tax fraud and increases transparency in the economy.

From a consumer's perspective, VAT is an indirect tax that is embedded in the price of goods and services. Although businesses collect VAT, the tax burden ultimately falls on the end consumer, as they bear the cost of the tax through higher prices. However, VAT is generally considered to be a fair tax as it is proportionate to consumption. Individuals with higher purchasing power contribute more to VAT revenue, while those with lower incomes may be less affected due to potential exemptions or reduced rates on essential goods.