Unfairness, Inequality, and Tax Evasion: An Analysis of the Distribution of the Tax Burden in Greece, 1955–1989

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

    Abstract

    This chapter analyzes the distribution of tax burden in Greece after the Second World War, focusing on the period from the mid-1950s to the late 1980s. It is shown that for the most part the system was prejudiced against the middle- and lower-income groups. This made the system unfair and increased its perceived illegitimacy. Added to the perceived unfairness were features such as taxes in favor of third parties, the revenue from which was given to the professional classes and organizations in a strong negotiating position. The chapter suggests that these characteristics contributed to the very high degree of tax evasion burdening the Greek system of taxation, one of the most severe problems of the country’s economy today
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationWorlds of Taxation
    Subtitle of host publicationThe Political Economy of Taxing, Spending, and Redistribution Since 1945
    EditorsGisela Huerlimann, W. Elliot Brownlee, Eisaku Ide
    Place of PublicationSwitzerland
    PublisherPalgrave Macmillan Ltd.
    Pages301-320
    Number of pages20
    Edition1
    ISBN (Electronic)9783319902630
    ISBN (Print)9783319902623 (hbk), 9783030079789 (pbk)
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Publication series

    NamePalgrave Studies in the History of Finance
    ISSN (Print)2662-5164
    ISSN (Electronic)2662-5172

    Keywords

    • Greece
    • Tax burden
    • Tax evasion
    • Tax conscience
    • Indirect taxation
    • Postwar tax reforms

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