Exploring the Roots of Systematic Tax Avoidance in Greece: Business, the Tax System and Tax Conscience, 1955-2008

This book explores the interaction between business and the taxation system in Greece from the mid-1950s to 2008, highlighting the adverse effects of taxation on entrepreneurship. It shows that tax rules can lead to unproductive forms of entrepreneurship, such as tax evasion, and that the perceived unfairness and illegitimacy of the tax system were major factors in its adverse effects. The book contributes to the debates about the Greek economy and the causes of the crisis and also sheds light on the issue of tax evasion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between business and the taxation system in Greece,spanning from the mid-1950s to 2008,a pivotal year that heralded the onset of the economic crisis the country encountered in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2007. The evidence presented herein firmly supports William Baumol's assertion regarding the impact of taxation on entrepreneurship. Specifically,it is demonstrated that Baumol was correct in his observation that problematic tax rules can foster unproductive forms of entrepreneurship,such as tax evasion. Nevertheless,the primary focus of this study lies in examining the aspects of the taxation system that Baumol's model,which solely considered tax rates and levels of taxation,ignored.

Through meticulous analysis,this book reveals that the adverse effects of the taxation system on Greek entrepreneurship primarily stemmed from a series of issues that heightened its perceived unfairness and illegitimacy. Moreover,the functioning of the tax system itself exacerbated uncertainty,which proved detrimental to business investment.

This book makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing debates surrounding the Greek economy and the factors contributing to the crisis that has impacted the country. In this regard,it also sheds light on the significant issue of tax evasion,which burdens the country's fiscal system. Furthermore,the research aligns with the broader literature examining entrepreneurship from a business history perspective,which focuses on the relationship between entrepreneurship and institutions,the debates surrounding the ways in which entrepreneurship is influenced by the socio-political and economic environment,and institutional analyses related to taxation.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030719814
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021