[Sarastro]

I seem to recall reading on signs and invoices in Europe something to the effect that the price includes X% VAT

[Reply] Betcha dollars to donuts it was the nominal rate, not the actual percentage of purchase price.

Not sure of your point. The nominal rate is the actual percentage. If all the way along the production-distribution chain 17%, say, of value added is taxed, that is both the nominal rate and the total tax included in the final retail price.

[iconoclast]

If all the way along the production-distribution chain 17%, say, of value added is taxed, that is both the nominal rate and the total tax included in the final retail price.

I can take a small, simple example and validate your statement.

But if the Vat is that simple and transparent, why the existence of Vat tax consultants?