Evaluation of VAT efficiency in Benelux countries

Abstract

The relevance of value added tax is reflected in the generation of a significant amount of revenue and the suppression of tax evasion. The purpose of the research is aimed at assessing collected revenues and measuring the efficiency of VAT revenue collection in the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) for the period 2011-2020. years. Empirical research results indicate that the average VAT efficiency was 59.84% in the observed countries. where the highest degree of efficiency was recorded in Luxembourg, and the lowest value in Belgium. Panel regression results show that economic growth, final consumption, government expenditures and VAT revenues have a positive effect on VAT efficiency in the observed countries. At the same time, variables such as unemployment and inflation, as well as the standard VAT rate, have a negative effect on the efficiency of VAT revenue. The obtained empirical findings can be of help to economic policy makers in the analyzed countries when profiling and adjusting tax policy from the point of view of value added tax.