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Taxation: A Very Short Introduction

Taxation: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Stephen Smith
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780199683697
Published In: April 2015
Format: Paperback , 152 pages
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Description
Contents
Author

Details

Explains the role that taxes play in a modern economy
Describes some of the main taxes used by most developed and developing countries
Consideres the key issues: the question of where the burden of taxation really lies, how taxation affects the economy, and the effects of tax evasion and tax avoidance
Discusses cases and debates from a range of different countries

Taxation is crucial to the functioning of the modern state. Tax revenues pay for public services - roads, the courts, defence, welfare assistance to the poor and elderly, and in many countries much of health care and education too. More than one third of national income in the industrialized (OECD) countries is on average taken in taxation. Taxes affect individuals in many ways. Taxes paid on income and spending directly reduce taxpayer disposable income, taxpayers face the hassle of tax returns and making payments, and they may be anxious about the possibility of investigation and enforcement action. People also adapt their activities in various ways to reduce the impact of taxation - putting money into tax-free savings accounts, or making shopping trips to other countries where taxes are lower. Taxation is therefore central to politics and public debate. Politicians that make reckless campaign promises about taxation then have to live with the uncomfortable consequences if elected. Businesses lobby for tax breaks that they claim will create jobs and prosperity.

In this Very Short Introduction Stephen Smith shows how taxes have real effects on citizens and the economy that tax policy-makers have to balance. Although tax policy will always be a highly political issue, he argues that public decisions about taxation would be improved by a better understanding of the role of taxation, and of the nature and effects of different taxes.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Readership: General readers interested in an understanding of taxation, as well as students of economics, law, accounting, business, and political science.

Introduction
1: What are taxes, and why do we need them?
2: The structure of taxation
3: Who bears the tax burden?
4: Taxation and the economy
5: Tax evasion and enforcement
6: Issues in tax policy
Further Reading
Index

Stephen Smith is a Professor of Economics at University College London (UCL). He was previously Deputy Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the UK's leading independent economic research institute. He is the author of Britain's Shadow Economy (OUP, 1986) , Environmental Economics: A Very Short Introduction (OUP, 2011), and many research reports and academic papers on tax policy and environmental policy. He has acted as a consultant and adviser to the Treasury, the IMF, the OECD and other government departments and international organizations.