Russian tax policy under sanctions pressure: theoretical approaches and alternative directions for practical implementation

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and methodological issues of building the tax policy of the state in the face of overcoming the negative consequences of the sanctions pressure of the collective West and the United States. We presented the results of the analysis of external and internal factors influencing the implementation of the state tax policy. We have formed five groups of external factors that are most relevant for tax policy in the context of sanctions pressure in the present period of time (the significance of sanctions pressure; the objective need for a significant increase in budget revenues in the context of the military operation; the need for comprehensive support for organizations of the military-industrial complex; ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country; electoral campaign 2023-2024). Based on a generalization of Russian taxation practice in 2014-2021, we have identified the most effective tax tools to counteract the negative economic consequences of sanctions pressure on Russia. The result of the study was the substantiation of the feasibility of an alternative solution to the issue of switching to a progressive personal income tax as a tool to increase budget revenues and equalize income inequality between the rich and the poor. Two possible approaches to the implementation of the tax maneuver in the field of taxation of the population are argued. This is a revival in the Russian tax system of the previously levied (1992-2005) inheritance and gift tax, taking into account modern realities. We have shown the relevance of raising the VAT rate as a tool for transferring part of the tax burden from the population's income to their expenses (consumption).