Tax fraud and tax evasion
When a person or company intentionally does not pay the tax due, the money is lost from public budgets. This happens when an individual or business:
deliberately provides false information in a tax declaration, or pays less than the full amount;
stores money in foreign bank accounts without reporting it or paying tax on it;
carries out ‘aggressive tax planning’ by exploiting the limits of the law to minimise tax bills.
What are the consequences?
Tax fraud and tax evasion limit a country’s ability to raise money and implement economic and social policies. That could mean cuts in funding for public services such as health care or education.
My government & the EU
who does what?
Responsibility for combating tax fraud and evasion lies with individual countries. However, in an increasingly globalised world, the EU provides a framework and support for dealing with cross-border tax issues. EU legislation facilitates collaboration between national tax authorities, for example.
Find out how the EU fights against tax fraud and tax evasion.
‘Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion EU: The missing part’: watch the video.
Counterfeiting
Learn how to avoid buying fake products
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ensure that creative and inventive efforts are rewarded and that investments in new and more efficient products are encouraged. They stimulate the creation of jobs in today's knowledge-based economy.
IPR infringements are harmful as they reduce business and government revenues, stifle investment and innovation and hinder economic growth. They result in job losses and reduced wealth creation (Gross Domestic Product or GDP). Furthermore, goods that infringe on IPR risk harming consumers, as they are less likely than others to comply with health and safety standards.
Online guide to identifying fake goods.
The EU Member States’ customs authorities are on the frontline in preventing goods infringing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) from entering the EU market. Find out more about the EU legislation framework.
‘The real price of fake goods’: watch the video.