Competing on Corporate Tax
As the US embarks on corporate tax reform, policymakers should bear in mind that other countries are using carrots, not sticks, to compete for the activities and income of global companies. America should do likewise.
PS Events: What Economics is Missing
Our latest event, What Economics is Missing, is now live.
Click the link below for opening remarks from Dani Rodrik, followed by a discussion among Ashwini Deshpande, Raquel Fernández, Minouche Shafik, and Vera Songwe on how to achieve inclusivity in economics.
BERKELEY – Corporate tax reform has emerged as an area of potential bipartisan action in the United States Congress over the next few months. But fundamental questions about the right approach remain.
There is widespread agreement that the US corporate tax system is deeply flawed. The rate is too high; the base is too narrow; it is costly to administer; and it is riddled with credits, deductions, and special preferences that distort decisions, harming the economy.
Despite the high rate, corporate tax revenues comprise a relatively small share of government revenue, partly because a rising share of total business receipts – currently more than 30% – flows through so-called “pass-through" business organizations, which are not subject to corporate tax. Indeed, most corporate tax revenues are paid by a small number of large multinational companies that earn more than half of their income from their foreign operations.
To continue reading, register now.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to everything PS has to offer.
Subscribe
As a registered user, you can enjoy more PS content every month – for free.
Register
Already have an account? Log in