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EU seeks views on fair taxation of digital economy

07 November 2017
Issue: 4623 / Categories: News

European Commission consults on reforming the international tax rules affecting digital businesses.

The European Commission has published a consultation on reforming international tax rules affecting digital businesses.

The commission has put forward proposals to solve some of the taxation problems that digitalisation brings. It believes that a two-step approach might be needed: first, a targeted, temporary solution followed by a comprehensive, long-term one.

The temporary options are:

  • tax on revenues from digital activities;
  • withholding tax on digital transactions;
  • tax on revenues from digital services; and
  • a digital transaction tax.

The long-term proposals include:

  • modifying the common consolidated corporate tax base;
  • new EU rules for permanent establishments;
  • destination-based corporate taxation;
  • a unitary tax on a share of worldwide profits; and
  • a residence tax base with a destination tax rate.

The commission is keen to find a solution at international level, given the global nature of the problem.

The deadline for responses is 3 January 2018.

Issue: 4623 / Categories: News
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