Not to mention that a lot of conglomerates control almost all the markets In some aspects. VAT is key at least here on Denmark to at least track sales and ensuring that companies report accurate numbers as the VAT is paid to the government. You get that back later, but it's also to ensure that everything is being done by the book and eases discovering g discrepancies in the company books.

I for one am.a huge fan as it's also helped us know what we can and can't do with taxes on our year old company!