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?

🤔

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    2 days ago

    In the UK we don’t pay any vat on “essential” goods. And we have a raft of tax relief for lower earners.

    Not that it helps much, but it’s better than a poke in the eye.

    • Bacano@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      it’s better than a poke in the eye.

      Idk why but this comment made me want to watch something with witty British humor and endearing characters

    • boonhet@lemm.ee
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      2 days ago

      How’s income taxation?

      Here in Estonia we have 22% income tax if you earn enough, but also there’s a 33% tax on the employer’s side + some tiny ones on both sides. 22% sounds completely fine except your pre-tax income is NOT what your employer pays for you, they pay a significant extra. Which is still coming out of your salary in the end, because your employer has to offer you a lower pretax income lol

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        1 day ago

        We get a tax free allowance of £12,570 annually, and then it’s banded from there: Income from £12571 to £14876 is taxed at 19% Income from £14877 to £26562 is taxed at 20% From £26523 to £43662 is taxed at 21% From £43663 to £75000 it’s 42% £75001 to £125140 it’s 45% And anything north of that is 48%

        This is calculated on income after any deductions from pay are made, like national insurance contributions, pension scheme payment, salary sacrifice schemes, student loan repayments and so on.

        • boonhet@lemm.ee
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          2 hours ago

          Ah okay, you guys get taxed a lot less then. We have an income tax free portion that slides to 0 by I think 25200 euros annually, at which point you always have to pay 22% of your gross, next year it’ll be 24. And your employer always has to pay 33% on top of your grose too.