Limitation of VAT deductibility versus fiscal function of the tax on goods and services – selected issues

Abstract

It follows from the analysis that there is some tension between the implementation of the principle of neutrality and the fiscal function of the tax on goods and services as a type of value added tax binding in the European Union. It is true that our legislation should follow EU law, which Poland as EU Member is obliged to follow. Nevertheless, in some areas the Member State has the freedom to form its own tax system. With regard to this freedom, as is clear from the analysis, the basic criterion in the decision process with respect to the change in the tax on goods and services is the fiscal function of the tax. Of course, the need to ensure budget revenue at a certain level will always be a priority for every state authority. However, the fiscal function of the tax on goods and services should always be set against the need to comply with one of the fundamental features of this tax, i.e. the principle of neutrality which means i.a. the right to deduct input VAT on goods and services connected with taxable activity. This shows that the extent to which the principle of neutrality in the construction of the tax on goods and services is followed has a significant impact on the fulfillment of the fiscal function of that tax.