Tax Harmonisation

Proposals for tax harmonisation form a major and contentious part of the overall proposals for the unification of European markets in 1992. The European Commission has produced detailed proposals in respect of the harmonisation of indirect taxes — particularly VAT and excise duties (Commission of the European Communities, 1987) — and there are more general commitments to the harmonisation of company taxation and income taxation (Commission of the European Communities, 1985). However, even where detailed proposals exist there is no general acceptance of those proposals by the governments of the member states. The UK government rejects the argument for harmonisation of indirect tax rates put forward by the European Commission and holds the view that the benefits associated with the operation of an integrated European market can be achieved without the reduction of national fiscal sovereignty implied by moves towards tax harmonisation. Some national governments (most notably Denmark) would face a very considerable loss of revenue if the proposals on VAT were implemented. For these and other reasons, it is still extremely doubtful that the Commission’s proposals will be enacted in their present form by 1992.