This question appeared to be unpopular with the candidates. Most of the candidates who
attempted this question scored average marks because they could not provide appropriate
answers for the (a) part of the question. Candidates were expected to state the
following to score good marks for the (a) part of the question.
(a) (i) An ad-volorem tax is expressed as a percentage of the value of an
item while a specific tax is expressed as a fixed sum of money on
unit of an item.
(ii) A tax is regressive if the rate of tax falls as income rises. On the
other hand, a tax is progressive if the rate of tax increases as
income increases.