This diploma thesis “Tax Harmonisation in the European Union” focuses on an assessment of current developments in the harmonization of the various types of taxes. It compares the pros and cons of tax harmonization versus tax competition. It assesses continuation of the harmonisation process feasibility and its consequences. It contains an overview of the implementation of harmonization measures into the tax system in the Czech Republic.

Thesis is focused on fight against indirect tax evasion. This topic was selected because it is a current issue. This is evidenced by media coverage regarding revealed tax evasion schemes; total estimated volume of tax evaded and increased activity of legislator in this field. The thesis is divided into three parts. In first part, I start with a general description of indirect taxes. I subsequently proceed with description of individual indirect taxes in the Czech Republic - value added tax, excise tax, and energy tax - and a brief summary of their evolution, main principles of functioning and their sources of law, both Czech and European. In second part, I tackle the problem of tax optimization, in particular the difference between legal and illegal methods of lowering ones tax. For this purpose, I go into more detail in explaining differences between tax planning, tax avoidance and tax evasion. I also draw attention to problems related to distinguishing these categories and to how these are interpreted differently by tax authorities in Anglo-Saxon and Continental area. After establishing theoretical background, I proceed by describing particular methods of evading tax, focusing mainly at illegal imports and carousel fraud, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, deprives Czech Republic of CZK 15...

The issues of assurance of sources for national budgets are eternal topics which are apparently current in any phase of the economic cycle, and it holds still more for the period of recession. In response to the outbreak of a financial crisis it is always possible to see the needs of finding new sources of financing of government expenses. Even though taxation of wine is rather a marginal topic in this regard, it is necessary to ask why this is so and whether it is not just this area that hides a large potential. Taxation of wine, however, plays an important role not only as a source of incomes for the state budget, but also as a tool of regulation of consumption of this commodity, which is negatively perceived from the viewpoint of human health. The imposition of taxation of wine does not influence consumers' behaviour only, but it has also impacts on plant production in this sector. At the same time, the entire issue acquires an absolutely different dimension through the fact that the area of taxation of wine belongs among the fields which are subject to harmonisation on the part of the European Union. At the time of globalisation and continually intensifying European integration it is important to be able to gain maximum yields from these aspects of the economy. In connection with harmonisation...

The point of the book is to provide characteristics of present customs warehouses in Czech Republic, their types, the conditions and the proceedings during establishments and during their operation times. Point out mutual relations of involved people and by using practical examples show the financial outcome of using a customs warehouses under an effective legislature.

Concern of this diploma thesis is indirect taxation in the Slovak Republic. An aim of this work is to compare consumption taxes and their development in Slovakia and other EU countries and also to identify advantages and deficiencies of the Slovak tax system with focus on the indirect taxation. As even in the sophisticated tax systems of distinction we may find ways for possible reform, suggestions for such improvements in analyzed areas are also included in the diploma thesis.

The Master's thesis "Investment and tax environment of selected former Yugoslavian countries" deals with current tax systems and investment environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia. The first three chapters of the thesis are focused on the economic situation of selected countries, their business relations among themselves and the EU countries, foreign direct investment and rating. The fourth key chapter starts with the tax theory and fiscal harmonization within the European Union in order to give detailed analysis of tax systems with emphasis on current development. In conclusion is elaborated the comparison of selected tax systems.