Decision as Evidence in Tax Proceedings

Abstract

The author deals with the issue of acceptability of using tax decision as evidence in an­other tax proceeding. The subject of in-depth deliberations is the question of recognizing a tax decision as an official documents and consequences thereof. In the light of the statutory regulation (Art. 194 of The Tax Ordinance Act) a decision, just like every official document, takes advantage of the presumption of accuracy. This presumption is challengeable with every counter-proof, because factual findings are most important in a tax proceeding (Art. 122 of The Tax Ordinance Act).

Presumption of credibility does not cover the whole content of the decision. In accordance with the predominant tendency in recent years in the case-law of administrative courts, presumption of cre­dibility has been limited to the operative part of the decision. As a result, the factual circumstances included in its justification ceased to be covered with presumption of accuracy. For a tax authority, this change has vital, practical significance. It prevents treating “others’” tax decisions as the only and sufficient proof when formulating settlement and factual justification of “own” decision.