"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in
:

On 11/24/11 09:14 am, George wrote:

I recall something like that too. There have been different VATs
proposed too. Some of that type of tax sounds good to the uneducated
because they think the consumer will no longer pay the tax, but
businesses will instead. It all comes out in the cost of goods sold.
We should be more concerned about government spending.

The problem with a VAT is that is a great cover for weasel
politicians who don't want anyone to realize how badly they are doing
their job. As you noted many would simply think that the business is
paying and not them.

A tax that is totally obvious and applied in one place (example, no
other taxes except a 38% sales tax) is a great thing because it would
make people do a lot more thinking on election day.

I don't think I've made any significant purchases of taxable goods in
any country that has VAT, but AIUI the tax rate may vary from one kind
of item to another and the tax rate is not necessarily published in
the store or at the cash register -- the tax is already included in
the displayed price.

A student from Zambia told me that their sales taxes (varying rates)
are included in the displayed price but the receipts show the tax paid
on each item.

Perce

That's the way it is in Europe as well. I still find it disconcerting
here that the price you get quoted for an item is NOT the final price,
since it doesn't include taxes and fees. That is especially cumbersome
for hotels etc, where there may be lodging taxes on top of everything
else. Talkinf about taxation without representation!!!

--
Best regards
Han
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