The role of tax policy in encouraging a healthy lifestyle of the population

The relevance of this research is defined by the ongoing worldwide negative trends related to the spread of infectious diseases, which require the development and adoption of complex preventive measures, including tax policy. The subject of this research of the use of tax instruments within the framework of the policy of encouraging a healthy lifestyle of the population. The author explores the methods of indirect taxation of “harmful” food products, summarizes foreign and historical experience in implementation of disincentive tax measures: imposition of tax on high sugar carbonated beverages, the so-called “fat” tax and the salt tax. The author outlines the possible alternative scenarios of using indirect taxation for promoting healthy eating habits. Practical interest of the conducted research consist in recommendations on the use of the incentive mechanism for the value-added tax. Attention is given to the fact that along with the instruments of indirect taxation, the effective measure of healthy lifestyle policy may become the introduction of direct tax incentives aimed at enhancing physical activity of the population. The author determines the contradictions between the labor and tax legislation on the issues of accounting of business expenses allocated for the sport activity of the working citizens. The conclusion is made on feasibility of the broader use of tax incentives, as well as on the need for amending the legislation of the Russian Federation on taxes and fees.