Tax reform proposals unveiled recently by President Chen Shui-bian (
At a weekly Cabinet meeting, Hsieh said the reforms are aimed at establishing a fair taxation system by expanding the tax base and he instructed the authorities to explain the idea to the public to minimize their resistance to the tax increases.
Hsieh noted that it is difficult to promote tax reforms in any country, especially when the reforms involve tax hikes for the public.
Hsieh said that proposals to expand the tax base have failed on many occasions to win the support of the Legislative Yuan, which, he claimed, is quick to pass proposals on tax cuts and exemptions.
With the tax system having become "distorted" under these circumstances, the continued expansion of social welfare is causing a fiscal gap for the government, Hsieh said.
According to Hsieh, although the tax reform plans will increase the tax burden for certain sectors, they do not mean an across-the-board tax hike, because taxes on commodities, stamps, gifts and inheritances will decrease.
The government will also work out complementary measures to ensure the burden upon the underprivileged will not become heavier, he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on the issue during a trip to the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park, Vice President Annette Lu (
Lu said the reform is necessary because the government's fiscal situation is tight and Taiwan's tax rates are relatively low compared with other countries.
She promised that the government will follow the principles of justice and fairness in promoting the reforms.
Chen said on Monday that the reforms are aimed at raising the average national tax rate from the current 13.6 percent to 15 percent in three years and even higher -- to 18 percent -- as a mid-term goal.
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Tax-reform plan sparks heated debate
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