Abstract: The object of this research is the attractiveness of precious metals in ingots as an investment instrument for population. The goal consists in the analysis of the impact of the fact of value-added taxation (VAT) of transactions involving precious metals in ingots upon their investment attractiveness for population. The author outlines several potential vectors for investing in precious metals (in form measured and precious metal accounts); analyzes the profitability of the various ways of investments; and makes a comparison with the most popular method of financial investment among population – bank investment. The information base for this research consists of the normative and legislative acts, electronic resources, and statistical information. The author formulates a conclusion that value-added taxation of transactions involving precious metals in ingots does not significantly affect their investment attractiveness, as it is mostly defined by the profitability that depends on the dynamics of the precious metals prices. Therefore, the proposed legislative bills on abolishment of VAT for transactions involving precious metals should be argued using other evidence.

Abstract: The subject of the research is the experience of income taxation in a number of foreign states (Island, France, Germany, Great Britain, USA, Mexico, Check Republic, Bulgaria). The author of the article analyzes the main features of income taxation in the aforesaid countries in terms of their possible use in Russia in order to eliminate the disparity of different levels of income in the country. The scientific novelty of the research is caused by the fact that the author summarizes and analyzes the main elements of the income taxation in the foreign states and comments whether it is possible to use it in Russia in order to smooth the income disparity of different population levels. In her research the author has used general research methods such as observation, comparison, collection, summary and analysis of data, deduction and induction. The information base of the research includes legal acts, regulations and Internet resources. The main conclusions of the research are the following: the progressive scale that is widely used in income taxation abroad does not guarantee a better distribution of income between different layers of Russian population. In order to maintain an equal distribtion of income, it is better to use other elements of income taxation such as establishment of non-taxable minimum, socially oriented deductions, implementation of family taxation, etc.