IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF VAT SYSTEM IN DEVELOPING EU COUNTRIES: ESTIMATING THE DETERMINANTS OF THE RATIO C-EFFICIENCY IN THE PERIOD 1997-2017

Abstract

Indirect taxes have a significant place in developing EU countries’ tax systems. The article sums up scholars of different scientists, dealing with the impact of VAT efficiency determinants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of VAT collection efficiency in the EU developing countries. The study relies on relevant data in transparent international statistical databases, covering the period from 1997 to 2017. The main research question in this paper is: does rise in value added tax rate negatively affect VAT collection efficiency in the EU developing countries. Accordingly, one of the independent variables included in the survey is standard annual VAT rate. In addition to standard VAT rate, as a determinant of VAT collection efficiency, we analyze: economic growth rate, export of goods, export of services, wages and salaries, household consumption. The hypotheses set are analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Empirical results show a positive effect of economic growth rate, export of goods, and the negative effect of two variables: standard VAT rate and household consumption. The two observed variables, export of services and wages and salaries, do not show a statistically significant effect. The results obtained using appropriate statistical tools serve as guidelines to macroeconomic policy makers to generate higher tax revenues from VAT. By analyzing the C-efficiency determinant, we design a relevant development strategy approach for economically underdeveloped EU countries.