Use the latest browser recommended by Microsoft
Get speed, security and privacy with Microsoft Edge
Economists have long suggested that the burden of taxation should fall on consumption in order to stimulate savings. In Barbados, however, relatively high marginal taxes on income and profits have been the norm for most of the nationÂ’s history. This study considers a number of options for reforming the present tax structure in Barbados. The alternatives outlined range from minor tinkering with current rates to an entire new system. Based on both social and economic cost-benefit analysis, the study finds that a reduction in taxes on income and profits and a slight increase in the rate of VAT or the introduction of a flat tax can lead to significant economic gains without affecting the sustainability of governmentÂ’s accounts.