The VAT tax varies from country to country.

Stone Harbor - The VAT tax varies from country to country. In Ireland it is 23%. Remember the one important aspect that it applies at same rate no matter what your economic status. It is 23% on a $10 dollar item for the person making 50k a year and also for the person making a million a year. It just gives the government faster access to the revenue. Less spending on the part of government will lead to less tax on all citizens.