LV EN RU DE FR

Budget and Tax Policy

Course developers

Course abstract

The course extends the knowledge of budget and tax theory and gives an in-depth understanding of budget and tax policies in the Republic of Latvia and the European Union. The study course develops skills to evaluate, analyse in detail and structure the ongoing processes in budget and tax policy, as well as to forecast budget and tax policy in specific economic conditions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and regulatory framework of the budget (basic budget) and related taxes, evaluate issues and trends in Latvia and the European Union (EU)- Independent task - research, presentation (group work), discussion in the lesson.
2. Able to show in-depth knowledge and understanding of the problematic aspects of the state social insurance special budget, basic budget and local government budget policy in the field of social protection in Latvia and the EU- Independent task - research, presentation (group work), discussion in the lesson.
3. Able to independently evaluate the basic budget, state social insurance special budget, local government budgets and related taxes in Latvia and the EU- Independent task - research, presentation (group work).
4. Able to argue about aspects of budget and tax policy, draw reasonable conclusions and develop proposals according to the research problem- Independent task - research, presentation (group work), discussion in the lesson.
5. Able to logically, argumentatively and reasonably study the chosen topic and get involved in group work- Independent task - research, presentation (group work), discussion in the lesson.
6. Able to work in a group for joint research, is able to plan the time for work, participate in discussions and present research - Independent task - research, presentation (group work), discussion in the lesson.
7. Able to independently prepare research work and presentation on the basic budget, state social insurance special budget, local government budgets and related taxes in Latvia and the EU - Independent task - research, presentation (group work), discussion in the lesson.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Theoretical and practical aspects of budget essence and system (lectures 2 hours, practical work 3 hours)
2. Budget structure and development mechanisms (lectures 4 hours, practical work 4 hours)
3. EU budget, basic principles and structure of its formation (lectures 2 hours, practical work 1 hour)
4. Theoretical and historical substantiation of the essence and objective necessity of taxes (lectures 2 hours, practical works 2 hours)
5. Tax policy, its instruments, types (lecture 1 hour, practical work 1 hour)
6. Structure of the tax system, content of classification and administration (lecture 1 hour, practical work 1 hour)

Requirements for awarding credit points

The evaluation of the study course consists of two independent works:
1. Budget policy, issues and trends. Research and analytical evaluation of the theoretical and regulatory framework of the budget and related taxes in Latvia and the EU. Independent work-research, presentation (group work). Lesson discussion (50%)
2. Evaluation of the state social insurance special budget, basic budget and local government budget policy in the context of social protection in Latvia and the EU. Independent work-study, presentation (group work). Lesson discussion (50%)

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Prepare research papers and presentations.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of the study course consists of the development and presentation of research papers. 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point evaluation scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Jurušs M. Nodokļi. Rīga: RTU Izdevniecība, 2019. 176 lpp.
2. Ketners K. Nodokļi un nodokļu plānošanas principi. Rīga: Tehnoinform Latvia, Info Tilts, 2018. 321 lpp.
3. Kavale L. Budžets un finanses. Mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 44 lpp.
4. Ketners K., Pētersone M. Eiropas nodokļu politika. Mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: RTU izdevniecība, 2014. 207 lpp.

Further reading

1. Brigsa S. Publiskās finanses. Mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: Vidzemes Augstskola, 2011. 133 lpp.
2. James S., Nobes C. The Economics of Taxation. 18 th edition., Birmingham: Fiscal Publications, 2018. 326 p.
3. Kavale L, Joppe A. Nodokļu politikas un administrēšanas pamati. Mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 80 lpp.
4. Mikesell J. L. Fiscal Administration. Analysis and Applications for the Public Sector., Thomson Higher Education, USA, 2007. 686 p.
5. Williamson S. D. Macroeconomics. Sixth edition, Global edition., Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited, 2018. 731 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. International Monetary Fund: Annual Reports, International Financial Statistics, Working Papers, World Economic Outlook. Pieejams: http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm.
2. Financial Times. England based finance newspaper. London: The Financial Times Ltd. Pieejams: http://www.ft.com/home/europe.
3. The Economist. London: Economist Newspaper Ltd. Pieejams: http://www.economist.com/?sa_campaign=econsubs/europe/subspage/imglink
4. iFinanses – žurnāls par nodokļiem, grāmatvedību, darba un komerctiesībām, Rīga: iŽurnāli. Pieejams: http://ifinanses.lv
5. LR tiesību aktu mājaslapa. Pieejams: http:// www.likumi.lv
6. Valsts ieņēmumu dienesta mājaslapa. Pieejams: http://www.vid.gov.lv
7. Valsts sociālās apdrošināšanas aģentūras mājaslapa. Pieejams: https://www.vsaa.gov.lv/lv

Notes

Compulsory study course for the academic master’s study programme “Economics”