Classical Principles of Taxation
A number of principles that characterize taxation in general and the taxation system more specifically were set forth by Adam Smith. These are: The principle of justice, which promotes the universality of taxation and the evenness of tax distribution among citizens in correspondence with their revenues (“the subjects of the state must participate in the maintenance of the government in correspondence with the income that they make use of under the protection and with the help of the state”). This principle means that taxes must be deducted in conformity with the capacity of the payer, who is obligated to take part in financing a corresponding share of the state’s expenditures. In the international practice, there are two methods of implementing the justice and equality principle. The first method entails insuring the benefit of the taxpayer. According to this approach, taxes paid must correspond to the benefits received by the taxpayer Continue reading