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International taxation and multinational firm location decisions

Author

Listed:
  • Barrios, Salvador
  • Huizinga, Harry
  • Laeven, Luc
  • Nicodème, Gaëtan

Abstract

Using a large international firm-level data set, we examine the separate effects of host and additional parent country taxation on the location decisions of multinational firms. Both types of taxation are estimated to have a negative impact on the location of new foreign subsidiaries. The impact of parent country taxation is estimated to be sizeable consistent with its international discriminatory nature. Our results show that international double taxation by the parent country – despite the general possibility of deferral of taxation until income repatriation – is instrumental in shaping the structure of multinational enterprise.

Suggested Citation

  • Barrios, Salvador & Huizinga, Harry & Laeven, Luc & Nicodème, Gaëtan, 2012. "International taxation and multinational firm location decisions," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 96(11), pages 946-958.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:96:y:2012:i:11:p:946-958
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2012.06.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate taxation; Withholding taxes; Dividends; Location decisions; Foreign direct investment; Multinationals;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • R38 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Government Policy

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