Arthur Andersen has this month published a new study that could prove a useful tool for multinationals looking to lobby government on corporate tax issues. The international comparative study takes a look at the rules governing the setting of tax standards, tax inspections and the settlement of disputes in 17 major jurisdictions around the world. The study compares jurisdictional approaches and policy in three main areas, namely tax legislation, tax inspection and tax disputes. The countries surveyed are Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
The study has evolved as the result of an earlier survey conducted by Arthur Andersen Paris partner, Herve Leherissel. "At the end of last year we undertook a survey of 120 major French corporations asking them for their comments on a number of issues, including the liberation of tax rules, tax audits and tax litigation. The response was so interesting that we thought it could be a good idea to do the same thing elsewhere in the world and come up with something comparative," he says.
Leherissel believes that the study could provide interesting reference material for any company with a strong focus on reducing its tax burden. "In all countries, the business community has the desire for improvement in the way the tax system works and I think that by using this study, they can draw realistic arguments on a comparative basis for lobbying."
Among the broader findings of the study are that taxpayers in the US have more input into the shaping of tax legislation, while those in Austria, Italy and Sweden have, comparatively speaking, little opportunity to influence policy. Meanwhile, Australia is shown to be one of the most stringent jurisdictions when it comes to the dispute process.
For more information about the study please contact Arthur Andersen at: jane.l.kilby@us.arthurandersen.com
