Value Added Tax

In the European Union, Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable on nearly all goods and services. The rates in the different countries range from 15% in Luxembourg to 25% in Denmark and Sweden.

.	VAT %
Austria	20
Belgium	21
Denmark	25
Finland	22
France	19.6
Germany	16
Greece	18
Ireland	21
Italy	20
Luxembourg	15
Netherlands	19
Portugal	17
Spain	16
Sweden	25
UK	17.5

Other countries that raise VAT* include:

.	VAT %
Argentina	21
Australia	10
Canada	8
Chile	18
China	17
Colombia	16
Costa Rica	13
Hungary	25
Indonesia	40
Israel	17
Mexico	15
Poland	22
Russia	20
Singapore	3
South Africa	14
Sri Lanka	20
Switzerland	7.6
Taiwan	5
Thailand	7

*VAT has been taken as a generic term for an internal tax on sales. The name actually applied will vary. In Canada for example, the above rate is a provincial sales tax whilst in Australia, it is a goods and services tax. Other taxes may be levied additionally on internal sales such as luxury taxes or excise taxes.