[mgbmtl]

To monitor for... corruption?

From the point of view of the state, tax evasion these days is by far the highest priority.

[sgjohnson]

> To monitor for... corruption?

Yes, because people taking a bribe would definitely care that it’s illegal to have a cash transaction over €10k

[mytailorisrich]

I can't find a single sensible reason why tax evasion would be the highest priority of EU governments... IMHO there are pages of more pressing issues.

[mgbmtl]

Sure, but those other problems need funding.

[coldtea]

The most pressing issue is the amount of funding wasted by bureaucrats, corporate tax deductions, subsidies to their friends, and so on...

So no...

[mytailorisrich]

Tax levels are high and tax are being collected. Governments aren't short of money because of tax evasion.

Tax evasion is not a top priority however you look at it... the argument sounds like "but think of the children" to justify things that are actually motivated by other aims and/or ideological reasons.

[pastacacioepepe]

My country loses about €32 billions in yearly income due to tax evasion. That's the amount of money that could change many lives if used right. Instead we're cutting benefits to the poor bto reduce our deficit. Tax evasion is a top priority.

[CogitoCogito]

Another solution is to just increase taxes until you end up with €32 billion in increased revenue. An advantage is also that this solution is actually _possible_ (as opposed to getting rid of all tax evasion).

[pastacacioepepe]

But then you are just punishing those that actually pay taxes by making them pay more, while those who evade keep doing it. Also I doubt it would be possible, as raising taxes in the current economical and political climate is a political suicide.

[eddsh1994]

Tax the large companies properly first, then come after the little people.