The Concept of General Rules against Tax Evasion in Russian Tax Legislation

Abstract

In conditions of unfair tax competition between states and increasing commitment of taxpayers to reducing the tax burden, countering tax evasion becomes an urgent problem. The implementation of general rules against tax evasion constitutes one of the most effective mechanisms to counter the erosion of the taxable base and the withdrawal of profits from taxation. The paper explores the theoretical foundations of general rules against tax evasion, highlights the experience of the European Union in terms of formation of the concept and legal design of general rules against tax evasion, and discloses the nature, purpose and cases of their use. Based on the analysis of the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as the directives of the European Union containing provisions concerning general rules against tax evasion, the author draws a conclusion on structural elements inherent in general rules against tax evasion. The paper provides for an analysis of the experience of the Russian Federation in this area, proposes promising ways to improve the legislation enshrining general rules against tax evasion in Russia. The author researches judicial doctrines applied in the Russian Federation to recognize the tax benefit received by the taxpayer unjustified, analyzes the provisions of Art. 54.1 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation. The author concludes that there is a problem of uniform application of the provisions of Art. 54.1 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, which violates the stability and predictability of tax practices necessary for enterprises’ business activities. The author also concludes that it is necessary to carry out substantial reviewing of the general rules against tax evasion in Russia in order to improve their application and consolidate additional guarantees of taxpayers’ rights.