Business and Economics > Corporate Taxation

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International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
This Selected Issues paper explores implications for safeguarding fiscal space in Luxembourg. The analysis discusses the main drivers of revenues and expenditures in recent years. Against the background of rising ageing costs, the analysis discusses the fiscal outlook, accounting for the announced government plans, as well as fiscal risks. Additionally, it offers options for helping to safeguard ample fiscal space, in view of the spending pressures and risks. In order to preserve its ample fiscal buffers, which will support the government’s commitment of keeping Luxembourg’s AAA rating, a more prudent fiscal policy would be advisable. Recent revenue increases should not be taken as given, and additional tax reforms should be done in a budget-neutral manner. The growth of compensation of employees should be limited, social programs better targeted, and their efficiency increased. Early pension reform would also help limit spending pressures. Finally, a national framework could help anchor fiscal policy and maintain a credible commitment to prudent fiscal policies.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
This Selected Issues paper focuses on empowering diverse futures. The economy of Djibouti grew at an unprecedented rate during the last decade, but the investment-led economic expansion did not translate into tangible labor market’s improvements. The capital-intensive nature of the country’s growth model limits job creation, while growing skill mismatches in the labor market have increased structural unemployment. While access to education has increased dramatically since the 2000s, more could be done in improving the quality of education and expanding vocational and adult learning. Moreover, stepping-up diversification would support the development of more labor-intensive sectors, further spreading the benefits from growth to all Djiboutians. The timely collection of labor market statistics remains a key constraint for supporting decision-making and job creation. The design and implementation of adequate policy frameworks to foster job creation requires complete and timely labor market data. The frequent collection of basic labor market data, such the unemployment rate, remains a priority for policy design and implementation.
International Monetary Fund. Legal Dept.
Upon the request of the authorities of Moldova, the Legal Department provided Technical Assistance on the establishment of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Judiciary (SAJ) in Moldova. The TA report provides analysis of the draft law on the Anti-Corruption Judicial System and other related laws, and proposes recommendations. The recommendations are informed by international standards and good practices on judicial independence and integrity, and are designed to respond to specific challenges faced by Moldova. The creation of the SAJ is an important new initiative aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts following the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Office (APO) in 2016. A SAJ composed of judges selected through competitive process with the participation of civil society and reputable anti-corruption experts, can significantly contribute to reducing corruption through effective adjudication of corruption cases.
International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
This 2023 Article IV Consultation highlights that Ireland’s economy has shown remarkable resilience in the face of consecutive shocks. The Irish economy has displayed remarkable resilience in the face of recent consecutive shocks and is well-positioned to achieve a soft landing. Growth is expected to moderate to a still solid level in 2023-24, from a very high base, as tighter financial conditions, domestic capacity constraints, and weakening external demand weigh on the economy. Continued fiscal prudence is warranted to complement monetary tightening in sustaining disinflation and to build adequate buffers for the future. As fiscal policy should avoid adding to aggregate demand amid still elevated inflation, tax revenue over performance should be saved. The 2023 fiscal stance is appropriate. Fiscal policy should support growth-enhancing investment and broaden the tax base. The authorities’ decision to save part of excess corporate income tax revenues in two savings funds is welcome. Tighter financial conditions, persistent inflation, and rising vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate market with linkages to leveraged non-banks call for continued heightened vigilance of financial stability risks.
International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
This Selected Issues paper provides an international perspective to the authorities’ two recent policy measures: setting up new savings and counter cyclical and climate infrastructure funds and reforming the judicial review of planning decisions in Ireland. The first essay presents international best practices in the design and operation of sovereign wealth funds that could inform the setup of the two new funds in Ireland. It highlights the importance of operating the funds within a strong fiscal policy framework. The second essay reviews Ireland’s planning and permitting system, underscoring the key elements that have hindered public investment. It also looks into the government’s proposed Bill to reform the planning system and contrasts its key features with those of other international jurisdictions. It finds that several issues may contribute to the inefficiencies in the planning and judicial review system, such as the loose standing requirements and lack of mandatory timelines related to judicial review, as well as institutional governance issues within the planning board, which the newly proposed reforms and legislative measures seek to address.
Seho Kim
,
Pablo Lopez Murphy
, and
Rui Xu
In Japan, corporate savings have risen since 2000 in line with profits. A large share of the additional savings was kept as cash holdings (i.e., cash and short-term investments) rather than used for investment. Building on a rich literature, this paper identifies two additional drivers of corporate cash holdings using financial data of public and private Japanese firms. First, a higher share of intangible capital is associated with more cash holdings. This indicates the presence of financial frictions as intangible capital is not easily collateralizable. Such financial friction could be alleviated by shifting towards cash flow-based lending that is prevalent in the United States (US). Second, corporate tax cuts are associated with more cash holdings while having no significant effect on investment. Given the significant fiscal cost, the efficiency of corporate tax cuts should be re-evaluated.
International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept.
This Selected Issues paper presents the main features and weaknesses of the current Panamanian tax system and provides an international comparison of its performance. Panama’s macroeconomic performance has been notably robust. Panama’s macroeconomic performance has been notably robust, but Panama’s tax collection has been historically low. A tax system without adequate revenues led to chronic fiscal deficits and a lack of resources to invest in human capital (education and health) and promote social inclusion policies. In addition, the tax system is notably regressive, and several rules are very inefficient and distortive contradicting the overall policy objective of the country to attract investment. Taxation of the business sector is very complex. On the other hand, the system is very generous regarding benefits. Overall, the desirable reform direction is clear: A reduction in tax incentives, following their analysis, as well as stronger anti-abuse provisions, and revenues from an international minimum tax can finance reductions in the inefficient parts of the tax system, such as the multiple business taxes and the strict loss carry forward.
International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept.
This paper discusses the estimates of tax gaps for corporate income tax (CIT) for nonfinancial corporations in Slovenia by applying the methodology of the IMF’s Revenue Administration – Gap Analysis Program (RA-GAP). The RA-GAP methodology for CIT gap is based on a top-down approach, which estimates the potential tax base and liability from macroeconomic data. The top-down estimation of the CIT gap provides an initial evaluation of the level and change in taxpayers’ compliance; however, further work in some areas is needed to improve the application of the methodology and reliability of results. Assessed CIT for nonfinancial corporations dropped from 2011 to 2012 then rose until 2020; potential CIT roughly followed the same pattern. The estimates for the assessment gap for nonfinancial corporations indicate there may have been an increase in 2012, and then a decline back to the 2011 levels. Under either method, the bulk of the assessment gap appears to be in the manufacturing sector.
International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept.
This paper highlights Haiti’s First Review under the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). The SMP will help the government restore macroeconomic stability and lower inflation―a key goal given the burden of high inflation on the poor. The SMP seeks to advance decisive governance reforms to enhance accountability. In particular, it emphasizes greater accountability through stronger public finance management, revenue administration, transparency, and anti-corruption measures. Progress on governance is key to ensure inclusive growth. The authorities have taken steps to strengthen accountability in the collection and use of public resources and have boosted the transparency of public procurement for emergency resources. IMF staff will continue to work closely with the authorities to support implementation of their program and help them build public support. Indeed, most elements of the authorities’ program are underpinned by ongoing IMF technical assistance. The IMF Fund will also continue to coordinate closely with Haiti’s other development partners to leverage efforts in support of common objectives.
International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept.
This Technical Assistance report identifies tax policy reform options to stop the drain on Lebanon’s tax revenue in the immediate and near terms and to move toward a more efficient, effective, and inclusive tax system in the medium term. Lebanon entered the economic crisis already with one of the world’s most skewed income and wealth distributions toward the affluent. Reversing the downward trend in tax revenue and improving the entire tax policy design are thus critical elements of the overall needed reforms for Lebanon to steer its way out of the crisis and modernize its economy. The analysis emphasizes the need for a holistic view of the tax system to guide reforms and balance the trade-offs, rather than a piecemeal approach with ad hoc uncoordinated measures—and for a strategic, sequenced approach to developing a rapid and powerful emergence from current difficulties. Excises are an efficient way to reduce pollution, generating marked environmental benefits and significant revenue, with a modest impact on prices. In line with international best practices, professionals should be taxed in the real profits’ regime and with the use of withholding taxes on payments to professionals for services.