Many EU countries have a “VAT” and like feel like this is kinda targeting poor people. Like, for the rich, this is insignificant, for poorer people, a (example) 20% tax would be a huge burden. Why do they do this?

🤔

    • MothmanDelorian@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      And yet the claim that it is regressive is accurate. It impacts those that have less wealth to a greater degree which makes it regressive.

      • urandom@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        How so? A poor person would buy less things, thus pay less VAT, than a rich person buying more things

          • Taewyth@jlai.lu
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            2 days ago

            Depends on what is being paid, the VAT model being used, the country etc.

            For instance in France the base tva is 20%, but food and hygiene products have a special status which reduces it to 5.5%

            I forgot the exact details buI if I recall correctly in Germany they have two models A and B depending on the product, forgot the percentage though. And then if you’re buying something for work the percentage can change again.

            • MothmanDelorian@lemmy.world
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              2 days ago

              Regardless how you frame a VAT it will always be regressive. That doesn’t mean they are bad. It just means it shouldnt be the primary source of revenue.