Tax Harmonization in the Function of Promotion of the European Common Market

One of the measures taken for European economic integration is tax harmonization. Final goal of tax harmonization has been and yet remains the economic efficiency and in particular the promotion of the common market. Tax harmonization in the EU member states is not new. Harmonization of indirect taxes, and in particular the harmonization of turnover tax, was present within the project of European integration since the outset so that a certain minimum of harmonization was created as the VAT Common System. Progress has also been achieved in the harmonisation of excise duty rates and excise structures. While progress has been achieved regarding indirect taxes, the harmonization of direct taxes did not evolved properly and the taxation of income and profits is still being applied in national states, despite many proposals seeking appropriate harmonization. The current European Community Law has no effect on the tax rates on corporate income applicable to European Union member States. In the area of corporate income tax the harmonization of some issues relating to tax treatment of dividend payments between companies and their status changes has been made. All Balkan countries aspire for EU membership by making the transposition of EU rules. These countries have managed to harmonize in a fairly large extent their tax systems with the acquis communautaire. Closer perspectives in these states are the harmonization of customs tax policies. Harmonization of tax legislations with EU requirements would take more time than the initial steps that have been taken for the liberalization of trade. Harmonization of legislation should be accompanied by a genuine reform of public administration in the Balkan countries, as implementation of legislation is much more complex task than its drafting. Kosovo as well as other Balkan countries constantly has reformed its system by reducing tax rates, redefined the tax base and making amendments and clarification of the interpretation of existing laws. Even though Kosovo has a simple legislation much more should be done in order to address the legal gaps, tax harmonization with the EU and the regulation of international tax relations. Administrative capacity to implement European standards and the law in the field of free movement of goods is still inadequate. Considerable efforts should be made further in this regard.