Tax cheats, and proud of it

BRUSSELS - In a country where tax evasion has been called a national sport, a survey showed 44 per cent of Belgian taxpayers have cheated. The study, by a Belgian university, said evasion cost the state Bfr400bn (pounds 8.4bn) to Bfr550bn in 1993, roughly equivalent to the national budget deficit.

Belgium is the most indebted European Union member with debt amounting to about 138 per cent of gross domestic product. The citizens complain that they are among the most heavily taxed in Europe.

The survey of 800 people showed 44 per cent had evaded tax; two-thirds said they would if they could. But 65 per cent thought there should be tougher measures against evasion. Reuter