I’ve often written about the fact that I believe that “sin taxes” – excise taxes on things that are ostensibly bad for us and should therefore be discouraged – are usually more about raising revenue than modifying behavior. I say this despite the fact that our legislators in this country swear that isn’t the case….
It’s not just the American automotive industry that is facing difficulties these days: the Russian automotive industry is struggling, too. I know, I know. You’re thinking “the Russians have an automotive industry?” It’s no Big 3 (which is perhaps a good thing lately) but it exists. Just barely. To protect the industry, the Russian government…
The Russians think so: Russia’s tax authorities allege that McDonald’s owes more than $6m in back taxes. McDonald’s, which currently has 183 fast food stops in Russia received the tax bill in August, according to The Times. The tax bill stems from allegations that the company procured ingredients from unlicensed companies which “posed a threat…
Not to be outdone by the Irish, the Russian tax authorities are making noise about a crackdown on taxes paid by the super-rich. However, as opposed to tax breaks, the Russian Federal Tax Service is concentrating on tax evasion as a source of wealth. There’s no question that there is a giant disparity in the…