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Asymmetric Taxation and Cross-Border Investment Decisions

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  • Rainer Niemann

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of particular loss offset limitations on intrastate and cross-border investment decisions. Investment can be realized in the investor’s domestic business, in a foreign branch or in a foreign subsidiary. The relative impact on the optimal real investment alternative compared to the optimal financial investment alternative indicates the investment incentives of tax law asymmetries. Integrating an initial loss carryforward at the time of investment creates a special decision situation. Varying loss offset parameters typically induces ambiguous effects that depend on the combination of all parameters under consideration. On average, a domestic minimum tax and a time limit on loss carryforwards tend to depress real investment. However, it is possible to find counter-examples. Real investment projects with decreasing cash flows and expected infra-marginal projects are less likely to be discriminated against than projects with increasing cash flows and expected marginal projects, respectively. An initial loss carryforward generates a domestic lock-in effect that may be intensified by loss offset limitations. Depending on the parameter setting, the opposite – a push-out effect – may occur as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Rainer Niemann, 2004. "Asymmetric Taxation and Cross-Border Investment Decisions," CESifo Working Paper Series 1219, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_1219
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    Cited by:

    1. Ortmann, Regina & Sureth, Caren, 2014. "Can the CCCTB alleviate tax discrimination against loss-making European multinational groups?," arqus Discussion Papers in Quantitative Tax Research 165, arqus - Arbeitskreis Quantitative Steuerlehre.
    2. Bührle, Anna Theresa, 2021. "Do tax loss restrictions distort venture capital funding of start-ups?," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-008, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    3. Caren Sureth & Ralf Maiterth, 2008. "The impact of minimum taxation by an imputable wealth tax on capital budgeting and business strategy of German companies," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 81-110, July.
    4. Caren Sureth & Ralf Maiterth, 2006. "Wealth Tax As Alternative Minimum Tax ? - the Impact of Minimum Taxation on Business Structure and Strategy -," EcoMod2006 272100093, EcoMod.
    5. Niemann, Rainer & Treisch, Corinna, 2005. "Grenzüberschreitende Investitionen nach der Steuerreform 2005: stärkt die Gruppenbesteuerung den Holdingstandort Österreich?," arqus Discussion Papers in Quantitative Tax Research 1, arqus - Arbeitskreis Quantitative Steuerlehre.
    6. Rainer Niemann, 2011. "Asymmetric Taxation and Performance-Based Incentive Contracts," CESifo Working Paper Series 3363, CESifo.
    7. Sabrina Dorn, 2009. "Monte-Carlo Simulations Revised: A Reply to Arqus," ifo Working Paper Series 73, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    8. Rainer Niemann & Corinna Treisch, 2005. "Group Taxation, Asymmetric Taxation and Cross-Border Investment Incentives in Austria," CESifo Working Paper Series 1506, CESifo.

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    Keywords

    investment; asymmetric taxation; loss offset; loss carryforward; minimum tax;
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