The Portuguese public paid nearly €60 billion in taxes last year, up 2% with income and property taxes leading the rise.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, direct taxes declined, but indirect taxes and social security payments increased.
The €59,600 million shelled out in tax by a struggling public last year represented 34.4% of gross domestic product, down slightly from 34.5% the previous year as the economy grew slightly.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, direct taxes were up with income tax receipts rising 1.5% but the killer was VAT, up by 7% as more businesses trade legitimately.
Receipts from property rates rose 15.8% as the governments scheme to revalue the country’s building stock brought many low rated buildings up to a market value and a consequent rise in valor partimonial.
The country either is smoking less or more illegal imports are depressing the tobacco tax take, down 1.1%.
Social Security receipts were up by 3.3% as missing payments have been pursued with greater vigour and the numbers employed has risen.
Portugal as a nation continued to pay a lower tax burden in 2014 than the EU average: 34.1% compared with 39.2% for the 28 European nations.
