TAXATION: Basic Principle of a Sound Tax System

 


13.   Explain the basic principle of a sound tax system? (FEA)

(1)  Fiscal adequacy -- the sources of revenue should be sufficient to meet the demands of public expenditure; revenues should be elastic or capable of expanding or contracting annually in response to variations in public expenditures

(2)  Equality or theoretical justice -- the tax burden should be distributed in proportion to the taxpayer’s ability to pay (ability-to-pay-principle); similarly situated taxpayers should pay equal taxes, while those who have more should pay more

(3)  Administrative feasibility -- tax laws should be capable of convenient, just and effective administration or enforcement at a reasonable cost

*even if these principles are not followed these will not make tax laws invalid; these are just guidelines


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