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At A Cost: The Real Effects of Thin Capitalization Rules

Author

Listed:
  • Ruud A. de Mooij
  • Ms. Li Liu

Abstract

Thin capitalization rules (TCRs) aim to mitigate profit shifting by multinational corporations (MNCs) but, by raising the cost of capital for affected affiliates, can also negatively affect real investment. Exploiting unique panel data on multinational companies in 34 countries during 2006-2014, we estimate that the size of this adverse investment effect can be large, and dependent on the statutory corporate tax rate and the tightness of the safe-haven ratio. Negative investment effects are more pronounced for highly-levered firms for which TCRs are more likely to be binding.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruud A. de Mooij & Ms. Li Liu, 2021. "At A Cost: The Real Effects of Thin Capitalization Rules," IMF Working Papers 2021/023, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2021/023
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    Cited by:

    1. Souillard, Baptiste, 2022. "Corporate tax cuts and firm employment: A match made in haven?," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    2. Zheng, Jiaxing & Bai, Sida & Gu, Cheng & Huang, Bihui & Xiong, Mengxu, 2024. "The role of anti-tax avoidance in tax base flow and international tax competition," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    3. Langenmayr, Dominika & Liu, Li, 2023. "Home or away? Profit shifting with territorial taxation," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    4. Martin, Julien & Toubal, Farid, 2020. "Corporate tax avoidance and sales: micro evidence and aggregate implications," CEPR Discussion Papers 15060, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • H87 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - International Fiscal Issues; International Public Goods
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business

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