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Taxation of capital income in a global economy: an overview

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  • Alicia H. Munnell

Abstract

Taxation of income from capital is difficult in todays global economy, where financial markets are international, investments flow freely over national borders, and multinational corporations abound. Yet fairness and equity require that capital income be taxed. ; This article reviews the options for achieving improved harmonization of taxation within the European Community (EC). A formula apportionment system, such as exists in the United States, could help EC countries curb tax avoidance by corporations that shift income away from subsidiaries in high-tax areas. The author also considers the \"unitary combination\" approach, whereby a business is considered a single taxpayer if it has unity of operation, ownership, and use. A combination of these two approaches might permit the EC to adopt the beneficial aspects of the U.S. system, without repeating all its mistakes.

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  • Alicia H. Munnell, 1992. "Taxation of capital income in a global economy: an overview," New England Economic Review, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, issue Sep, pages 33-52.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedbne:y:1992:i:sep:p:33-52
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    Income tax; Taxation;

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