Fiscal Structure of the Russian Federation: Financial Flows Between the Center and the Regions

Rich with data available in no other source, this is the first comprehensive study of the allocation of state and public financial resources in the Russian Federation. Working with the Russian Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Taxes and Duties, and the Russian Statistical Agency, the authors have compiled a dynamic analysis of financial flows between the center and the units of the federation, including both budgetary redistribution and off-budget outlays (e.g., for social insurance and pensions). Among the problems documented in the analysis are the very high differentiation of the regions in terms of levels of development, public welfare, and self-sufficiency; inefficiencies in the taxation system and the prevalence of barter; and the non-transparency of money flows and their role in corruption. List of Tables, List of Figures, List of Maps, Foreword by Aleksandr G. Granberg, Preface by Alexei G. Makushkin, Introduction, 1 General Information, 2 Balance of Financial Flows Between the Center and the Regions, 3 Territorial Structure of Tax Potential, 4 Financial Aid to Subjects of the Federation from the Federal Budget, 5 Direct Expenditures from the Federal Budget in the Regions, 6 The Federal Budget as a Source of Investments and Regional Investment Policy, 7 Extrabudgetary Funds as a Channel for Territorial Redistribution of Public Finances, 8 Geography of Public Finances, Conclusion