How does a domestic tax reform affect protection against imports? The case of the Republic of Madagascar

Author/Editor:

Jean-Jacques Hallaert

Publication Date:

June 1, 2008

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

In 2008, Madagascar reformed its domestic tax system. Because the excise duties and VAT regimes were reformed, the taxation of imports has changed. This paper quantifies how the reform changes the protection against imports and the fiscal revenues from taxation of imports. It shows that, even if the reform has only a limited impact on the average rate of protection, it substantially alters the structure of protection across goods. Moreover, because the reform further increases the already high rate of taxation of imports, it will also boost revenue from taxes on imports and reduce the fiscal losses from the SADC FTA.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2008/151

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

June 1, 2008

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451870091/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2008151

Pages:

20

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org