[Perdogg]

Is it a VAT or a national sales tax? There is a difference you know. Let’s use the correct terminology. A lot of people have been calling for a National Sales tax which is not necessarily a VAT. So which is it?

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

You make good points. However, there are endless variations of “outgo” taxes, whether they go by the name of “sales tax”, “VAT”, or (as here in Canada) “GST”. Some cover just things you can touch (goods), others also cover services. A VAT should apply to both (value-added); but, each jurisdiction would have their own special exemptions, etc.

At the risk of getting flamed, I would say that a VAT is usually a less bad form of taxation than income taxes. We have the GST (Goods and Services Tax) here in Canada & to the extent that it *displaces* an equivalent amount of income tax, rather than *adds to* the income taxes, it is a slight improvement. OTOH, if it is used as a tax grab — you don't want it.

[Road Glide]

“Is it a VAT or a national sales tax? There is a difference you know. Let’s use the correct terminology. A lot of people have been calling for a National Sales tax which is not necessarily a VAT. So which is it?”

Simple answer:
It’s a TAX, no matter what you call it.

Money out of YOUR pockets, into theirs.
And what may you expect in return?

[Taxman]

VAT. Brucie hates the National Retail Sales Tax.