The main objective of this work was to develop a set of scientific and practical recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of preferential tax treatment based on the analysis of the costs of tax relieves, their types, and their performance evaluation. Direct and indirect costs of tax relieves granted by the World Bank were analyzed within the research. Based on the analysis of legal acts that were in effect in 1990-2000, the specific features and forms of tax relieves used in the Russian Federation were identified. The article shows the necessity of expanded understanding of the tax relieves based on their actual manifestations in various forms, and, based on this, extension of the efficiency evaluation object in the circumstances of the Russian Federation. The article formulates the conclusion about the need to transform the tax relieves in order to strengthen their stimulating effect on the economy development and achievement of the economic benefit and enhancement of the social return. The regulato