VAT represents one of the most important taxes in the EU; however, this tax is highly affected by tax evasion. To combat these frauds, almost all the member states have implemented anti-fraud measures. This article focuses on the regular reports required from VAT payers in some EU member states. This tool is called differently in various countries; this article adopts the name VAT listing. The main aim of this article is to find out whether these measures contribute to a better collection of VAT. The level of VAT collection is within the analysis expressed by the VAT gap. In the panel regression model, the effect of the introduction of VAT listings on the size of the VAT gap was determined using control variables potentially affecting the VAT gap. The results were then verified using an alternative difference-in-differences design with multiple time periods. The results showed that VAT listings reduce the value of the VAT gap, as does using of credit cards for payments and low corruption in the country. On the other hand, the implicit rate of consumption taxes, the final consumption, imports from EU countries, and the number of items in the reverse charge increase the VAT gap. (JEL codes: C33, H26)

This paper is analyzing tax morale in three selected European countries through the evaluation of the results of the European Values Study. The main aim is to identify the factors that influence taxpayers’ decisions on the issue of whether they justify cheating on tax or not. The dependence and effect of selected factors were determined by analyzing data from the latest European Values Study (2019). The analysis revealed that not only demographic factors (gender, age), but also other socio-economic and institutional factors (religion, willingness to defend the home country, being a proud citizen, trust in government and respect for authorities) have a significant impact on taxpayers’ justification of cheating on taxes. This research is specifically focused on the Czech Republic, Poland and Spain.

Perception of tax evasion by individual citizens is of considerable interest to politicians, since people’s perceived attitudes affect the approach to tax compliance throughout the society. It is thus worth identifying personal characteristics that are related to a higher degree of tolerance and justification for tax evasion. Based on the 2008 European Values Survey data and using descriptive statistics, the paper discusses the relationship between the respondents’ characteristics and their tendency to justify tax evasion. The study finds a strong relationship between this tendency and age, educational attainment and economic activity, the two other variables (parenthood and income) indicating only a weak relationship. Moreover, the current issue allows us to convincingly argue against the regression analysis stereotypes which often yield biased and confl icting results. The paper confirms our constructive criticism, thus opening up space for an extended discussion of a more balanced use of both descriptive statistics and regression models.

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, the scientific journal of the Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic

VAT is one of the most important sources of the public revenues in the EU Member States; therefore, it is crucial to determine the factors of VAT collection. So far, only a few researchers analyzed the influence of individual economic sectors ...