Basic Administrative Processes

Chapter 17 reviews various related but separable core administrative functions associated with the VAT: registration, filing, payment/collection, enforcement, and audit. It concludes with a brief note on fraud. How well these functions are performed will determine the VAT’s economic effects, its burden distribution, and its administrative efficacy (in terms of collection and compliance costs per unit of revenue). The discussion highlights the key issues and outlines some best practices. Last but not least, measures aimed at uncovering and prosecuting VAT fraud should be balanced by measures aimed at assisting honest taxpayers to meet their tax obligations and fast-tracking refunds to taxpayers with a good compliance record. Importantly, interest at commercial rates should be paid on late refunds.