G20 Leaders Summarize Key Meeting on OECD’s Two-Pillar Solution
The G20 issued a summary of the February 26-27 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors regarding the progress of implementing provisions within the OECD's two-pillar global tax reform solution, expressing support for international tax policy cooperation within the parameters of member jurisdictions' autonomy and compliance with the OECD's standards and voicing concern over developing countries' difficulty in benefiting from international tax changes.
OECD Working Paper Recommends Targeted Capital Gains Tax Relief
OECD countries should offer targeted capital gains tax relief instead of broad relief in order to decrease tax avoidance opportunities and discourage asset holding to delay tax payment, according to an OECD working paper.
White House Memo Promises Action Against Foreign Taxes
The Trump administration will respond to discriminatory taxes by foreign governments by imposing tariffs “and taking such other responsive actions necessary to mitigate the harm to the United States and to repair any resulting imbalance,” the White House said in a February 21 memo.
What Is an Applicable Corporation Under the Corporate AMT?
Kimberly S. Blanchard explains why section 59(k) and the proposed regulations are unclear and suggests an alternative, straightforward approach to the rules for foreign-parented multinational groups.
Donald Trump considers tariffs to counter digital services taxes on Big Tech
Donald Trump is considering tariffs on countries that levy digital services taxes against American companies and tightening rules on Chinese investment in the US as he widens the scope of his global trade war.
Trump’s Growing Focus on Tariff Revenue Raises Trade War Odds
President Donald Trump and his economic team are increasingly focusing on the revenues his tariffs would generate as he seeks to get tax cuts through Congress, pointing to an ominous path ahead for countries trying to avoid a trade war.
Reports of Pillar 2’s Death Are Greatly Exaggerated
Adam Kern examines President Trump’s executive memorandum on the global tax deal, arguing that it will have a limited effect on the stability of pillar 2 because the United States maintains the global intangible low-taxed income structure and the strategic dynamics that support pillar 2 thus remain largely intact.
EU to Consider Factoring Global Trends in Decluttering Agenda
The EU Council’s Polish presidency will ask member states whether to include international tax developments in their draft conclusions on a “future-proof tax policy which contributes to the competitiveness of the EU.”
Sovereignty, Sins, and the Reassertion of Primary Taxing Rights by the United States
Michael J. Graetz argues that the United States must reassert its primary taxing rights over income long conceded to other countries, especially income from intellectual property created in the United States, and he explains some changes necessary to make that happen.
EU Commission Answers Questions on U.S. Tariff Policy
The European Commission released a Q&A document regarding the United States' reciprocal tariff policy, including guidance on VAT in relation to tariffs; the EU's trade surplus rules; average tariff rates on both EU and U.S. imports; and asymmetrical tariff structures.
Will Trillions in Tariff Revenue Materialize?
Martin A. Sullivan examines available data to provide insight on the economic effects of potential tariffs on U.S. imports, and he categorizes the strategies companies have considered for mitigating the burden of tariffs.
Countries Ready for U.N. Tax Talks Despite U.S. Exit
Countries worldwide appear optimistic about participating in negotiations for a U.N. framework convention on international tax cooperation, despite the United States’ swift exit from the talks in early February.
European Commission Issues Statement on U.S. Tariff Policy
The European Commission has issued a statement regarding the announced U.S. tariff policy, saying it would have negative economic effects and promising that "the EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade."
BIAC Responds to PCT Tax Incentives Principles Consultation
Business at OECD issued a letter responding to the Platform for Collaboration on Tax's (PCT) public consultation on its guidance for tax incentives principles for international policy purposes and introducing the OECD's global minimum tax standard, urging the PCT to lighten restrictions regarding tax incentive definitions and jurisdictional autonomy as well as provide explicitly clear pillar 2 guidance.
Trump's Plan to Exit OECD Deal Threatens Two Canada Tax Rules
The future of Canada’s digital services tax and proposed undertaxed profits/payments rule—and possibly its approach to Pillar Two and international tax more broadly—is precarious in the face of international trade pressures and the Trump administration’s threats about the OECD’s global tax deal.
Why Trump Tariff Push Is Targeting Value-Added Taxes: Explained
President Donald Trump doesn’t like other countries’ value-added taxes. Trump said Thursday that his administration would look at imposing “reciprocal” tariffs against other nations. They would be aimed at offsetting not only the tariffs those countries charge on US goods, but also other regulatory and tax measures that Trump regards as unfair to the US—including VATs, which many countries impose on the sale of goods and services.
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Plan Targets European VAT
President Trump has ordered advisers to craft new tariffs for countries that have a trade deficit with the United States by calculating all costs related to trade barriers and subsidies provided to domestic corporations.
Trump Moves to Impose Reciprocal Tariffs as Soon as April
President Donald Trump ordered his administration to consider imposing reciprocal tariffs on numerous trading partners, raising the prospect of a wider campaign against a global system he complains is tilted against the US.
EU Commission Goes Back to Drawing Board on Interest, Royalties
The European Commission has announced the withdrawal of its proposal to revise the interest and royalty directive, which was made partially obsolete by pillar 2, and is now looking at aligning EU antiabuse clauses.
EU Is Attempting to Sidestep U.S. Steel Tariff Snares
EU lawmakers have denounced the weaponization of economic policy by the new U.S. administration, and the European Commission has promised a firm response to President Trump’s announced tariffs on EU steel.