KPMG Corporate Tax Rate Survey January 2000

Transcription

1 KPMG Corporate Tax Rate Survey January 2000 The KPMG International Tax and Legal Centre is pleased to present its annual survey of corporate tax rates. This authoritative survey (incepted in 1993) covers 61 countries, including the 29 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and most countries in the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions. 1 Findings Tax cutting in developed countries continues, albeit at a slower pace. The move towards lower corporate tax rates in the industrialised countries of the OECD, has steadied somewhat with the average corporate income tax rate falling to 34.1% (1999 average 34.8%). There were still tax cuts in France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Poland, Czech Republic, and the UK in the past year, although several of these reductions represented a continuance of tax cutting policies rather than any new initiatives. Looking ahead, the Irish corporate tax rate is scheduled to fall again over the next few years and it is also expected that the German Corporate Tax system will be reformed, potentially leading to rates of under 40%. Finland was the only OECD country surveyed which reported a rise in corporate tax rates. As observed last year, there does appear to be a consistent downward trend in corporate tax rates. Table 2 demonstrates that the average corporate tax rate among OECD and EU countries has fallen by nearly 3.5% (from 37.6% to 34.1% and 39% to 35.44% respectively) since OECD and EU concentrate fire on perceived harmful tax practices. The last twelve months have seen the continuing concentration by both the OECD and the EU on perceived harmful tax practices and alleged tax havens. It is likely that pressure will be brought to bear upon alleged tax havens and other jurisdictions to alleviate harmful tax practices. Whether this will have a substantive impact in terms of reducing tax shelters etc remains to be seen. Coinciding with this action by the OECD and EU is the continued downward trend in average corporate tax rates. This may well continue over the next few years if jurisdictions opt to compensate for the loss of perceived harmful measures by lowering their headline rates of tax. Average tax rate differences begin to narrow in the territories surveyed. Last year s survey noted that in general, countries in less developed regions of the world levy lower tax rates compared to the more developed nations, and this remains the case into But the difference is narrowing. As noted above, the developed countries in the OECD have an average corporate income tax rate of about 34.1%. which represents reduction on the 1999 average of 34.8%. The comparatively less developed nations in the Asia Pacific that were surveyed have an average rate of 32.1% which represents a slight increase on the 1999 average of 31.7%. At 29.3% the average rate among Latin American countries has also increased from a 1999 level of 28.5% (see Table 1). 1 Due to the slight differences in the countries surveyed, 1999 comparison averages have been adjusted.

2 Corporate tax rates only part of the equation Whilst the survey shows an interesting snap shot of the corporate tax rates around the world, it should be remembered that a low tax rate does not necessarily mean a low tax burden. For individual countries, the tax rate must be applied to the tax base in order to measure tax burdens, and indeed in order to secure tax revenues, a cut in one tax can lead to an increase in others. That said, in the absence of harmonised tax bases, a comparison of tax rates can give a useful impression of international corporate tax burdens. Other factors to consider when comparing tax burdens include indirect taxes, other financial inducements to inwardly invest, and the sophistication of the tax law. Table 1 Average Corporate Tax Rates at 1 January OECD Countries EU Countries Latin American Countries Asia- Pacific Countries Table 2 OECD and EU Average Corporate Tax Rates EU Member Countries OECD Member Countries KPMG is the global professional advisory firm whose aim is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, its people and its communities. With more than 100,000 people collaborating worldwide, the firm provides consulting, tax and legal, financial advisory and assurance services from more than 820 locations in 159 countries. For enquiries, please contact: Adam Bainbridge, partner, KPMG International Tax and Legal Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Phone: KPMG International

3 KPMG Corporate Tax Rates Survey January 2000 Asia Latin OECD EU Pacific America Country 1 Jan Jan 2000 Notes (%) (%) Argentina Australia Austria Bangladesh Belgium Belize N/A 25 6 Bolivia Brazil Canada * 8 Chile China Colombia Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Fiji Finland France Germany 52.31/ /42.80 * 16 Greece 35/40 35/40 17 Guatemala Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel ** 26 Italy

4 Asia Latin OECD EU Pacific America Country 1 Jan Jan 2000 Notes (%) (%) Japan Korea, South Luxembourg * 29 Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Singapore Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland * 42 Taiwan Thailand Turkey Uruguay United Kingdom United States * 48 Venezuela Vietnam % 50 Note: A simple comparison of tax rates is not sufficient for assessing the relative tax burdens imposed by different governments. The method of computing the profits to which the tax rates will be applied ( the tax base ) should also be taken into account. The above rates do not reflect payroll taxes, social security taxes, net wealth taxes, turnover taxes and other taxes not levied on income. Arrows signify an increase ( ) or decrease ( ) in a country s corporate income tax rate at 1 January 2000 as compared with that country s rate at 1 January * = approximate rate While every effort is made to ensure that this survey s contents are accurate, no action should be taken without first contacting your KPMG adviser. For enquiries please contact your local KPMG adviser or KPMG's International Tax and Legal Centre, Amsterdam. Copyright KPMG International All rights reserved.

5 1 Argentina (2000 rate = 35%): Dividends from resident corporations are tax-exempt. Corporations, including subsidiaries of foreign companies are taxed at a flat 35% rate. There is a 1% tax on a company s assets (excluding liabilities) which serves as a presumed minimum income tax. 2 Australia (2000 rate = 36%): The corporate income tax rate applies to a year of income 1 July to 30 June. If a company has approval to use a different year-end for tax purposes the period approved will still relate to a 30 June year (ie 31 December 2000 in lieu of 30 June 2000). For the year 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000 the company income tax rate is 36%. For the year 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001 the company income tax rate will be 34%. Thus for a company with an approved substituted accounting period of 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000 in lieu of 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001 the new rate applies from 1 January For the year 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002 the company income tax rate will be 30%. 3 Austria (2000 rate = 34%): Due to restrictions on expenses, the tax base for corporations usually differs from financial statement profits. 4 Bangladesh (2000 rate = 35%): Publicly traded companies are taxed at the rate of 35%. However branches of banks, financial institutions and other organisations incorporated by or under the laws of a country outside Bangladesh are taxed at 40%. 5 Belgium (2000 rate = 40.17%): A lower rate applies to companies owned more than 50% by individuals. The tax rate incorporates a crisis levy of 3%. 6 Belize (2000 rate = 25%): A monthly business tax on gross revenues was enacted in July 1998 and at the same time corporate income tax was abolished. For most companies business tax was established at the rate of 1.5%. In April 1999, corporate income tax was re-enacted at a reduced rate of 25% (previously 35%) and business tax was reduced to 1.25%. Business tax assessed during the year is credited against corporate income tax liability, and at the end of the tax year, any excess corporate tax liability is cancelled provided a corporate income tax return is filed. Business tax remains as the final tax, and any excess over the corporate tax liability is claimed as an expense in the following year s corporate tax filing. Approved losses, based on corporate tax filings can be offset against 20% of the monthly assessment to business tax. 7 Brazil (2000 rate = 37%): The 37% rate is the sum of Corporate Income Tax and Social Contribution Tax on Profits. The corporate income tax rate is 25%, which comprises a 15% basic rate plus a surtax of 10% on annual income over BRL 240,000. There is also a Social Contribution Tax of 12% on corporate income, although this latter rate will be reduced to 9% from February 2000 onwards. 8 Canada (2000 rate = 44.6%): Includes federal tax of 29.1% (including surtax) plus provincial tax. Depending on the province, the total effective rate ranges from 38.0% to 46.1% (24.6% to 39.1% for manufacturers). 9 China (2000 rate = 33%): This rate (30% state tax rate plus 3% local tax rate) applies to foreign investment enterprises and foreign enterprises. The state tax rate is reduced to 15% or 24% if the said enterprise is located in one of the specially designated zones in China, and/or engaged in prescribed industries: the 3% local tax may be waived or reduced by the local government. Foreign banks deriving income from RMB business are also taxed at the 30% state tax rate. 10 Colombia (2000 rate = 35%): In addition to the 35% corporate tax rate, a municipal industrial and commerce tax applies (based on turnover) which oscillates between 0.3% and 1% depending on the company s activities. 11 Denmark (2000 rate = 32%): Corporations must either pay corporation tax on account during the income year or pay a surcharge. There are no local taxes on corporations. 12 Ecuador (2000 rate = 25%): For 2000 the corporate income tax rate is 25%. In accordance with the Labour Law, all companies are obliged to distribute 15% of income before income tax between their employees, which increases the effective tax rate to 36.25%.

6 13 El Salvador (2000 rate = 25%): The 25% corporate tax rate is the maximum rate in a progressive rate structure. The rate is applicable on profits in excess of SVC 75,000. Legislation may be introduced to apply the 25% rate to all profits. 14 Fiji (2000 rate = 35%): The corporate tax rate is 45% for companies operating in Fiji as a branch of a non-resident company. 15 France (2000 rate = 36.66%): For a financial year closed in 1999 the 40% rate is made up of the current income tax rate of 33.33% plus a 10% additional contribution applicable to all companies, and a 10% temporary additional contribution except for companies that satisfy the two following conditions (i) at least 75% of the share capital must be continuously owned by individuals or by companies and (ii) the company realises a maximum turnover of FF 50,000,000. For a financial year closed in 2000 the 36.66% rate is made up of the current income tax rate of 33.33% plus a 10% additional contribution applicable to all companies and a 3.3% social contribution on companies profits (this contribution is defined by the Law for the financing of social security for the year 2000 and is subject to ratification). 16 Germany (2000 rate = 51.63%/42.8%): The first rate quoted applies to retained profits and the second to distributed profits. Both include corporate tax at 40% (retained profits), 30% (distributed profits) and trade tax on income. The trade tax varies from 12.78% to 20.48%, with an average of 16.32%. From 1 January 1998, the corporate tax rates for both retained and distributed profits were increased by a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on the corporate income tax. 17 Greece (2000 rate = 35%/40%): The 35% rate applies to listed A.E. companies (corporations) and to E.P.E. entities (limited liability companies). The 40% rate applies to domestic unlisted A.E. companies, banks and credit instructions operating as co-operatives and branches of foreign entities. Discounts of 2.5% are allowed to companies which pay their corporate tax in full when they file their tax returns. A 3% surcharge applies to gross rental income but the surcharge may not exceed the primary corporate tax. 18 Guatemala (2000 rate = 25%): For tax periods starting on or after 1 July 1999, tax rate is 25% and no surcharge applies. 19 Honduras (2000 rate = 25%): Income tax ranges from 15% on the first HNL 200,000 of taxable income to 25% on any excess over this amount. A tax of 0.5% (0.25% for 2001 and 0% for 2002) applies on the monetary value of assets that appear on the balance sheet less allowances for doubtful accounts and accumulated tax depreciation. The amount of income tax paid in the prior fiscal year may be used as a credit against this tax. 20 Hong Kong (2000 rate = 16%): The 16% rate applies to Hong Kong sourced profits that are derived by companies carrying on a business in Hong Kong. Profits derived from qualifying debt instruments, or profits derived from the business of reinsurance of offshore risks as a result of the carrying on of a business as a professional reinsurer, are subject to 8%, which is one half of the standard rate of 16%. 21 Hungary (2000 rate = 18%): The tax rate on a corporation s taxable profits is 18%. The local business tax of 2% is deductible from the corporation s tax base. A 20% withholding tax is imposed on dividends paid to foreign companies unless the recipients re-invest the dividends directly in a Hungarian company. However, most of Hungary s tax treaties reduce the domestic withholding tax to 5-15%. Dividends paid to Hungarian companies are not subject to withholding tax. 22 Iceland (2000 rate = 30%): This rate applies to limited liability companies. The rate for partnerships registered as taxable entities is 38%. 23 India (2000 rate = 38.5%): Minimum alternate tax is levied at the rate of 30% of the adjusted profits of those companies whose taxable income is less than 30% of their book profits (i.e., the effective tax rate is 10.5%). Domestic companies are also liable to pay a 10% of the tax liability in respect of the financial year commencing from 1 April 1999 (making the effective tax rate 11.55%). Dividend paying companies pay additional income tax at 10% of the dividend

7 amount (now 11% after surcharge with effect from 1 April 1999). Foreign companies are taxed at 48%. Non-residents and foreign companies engaged in shipping, air transport, and oil and gas and turnkey power projects are taxed on a deemed profit basis of 7.5%, 5% and 10% respectively (i.e., the effective tax rate for these companies is 3.6%, 2.4% and 4.8% respectively). 24 Indonesia (2000 rate =30%): This rate applies to a resident s income over IDR 50 million. Income between IDR 0-25 million is taxed at 10% and income between IDR million is taxed at 15%. Certain income received by non-residents is taxed at 20%. An additional 20% branch profits tax is imposed on the after-tax profits of a permanent establishment (subject to treaty relief). 25 Ireland (2000 rate = 24%): A 25% rate applies to the passive income and income from mining, petroleum activities and certain dealings in land. A 20% rate applies in the case of companies whose profits from the sale of residential land would otherwise be taxable at 25%. A 12.5% rate is applicable where companies total trading income for an accounting period does not exceed 50,000. Marginal relief will apply where the total of such income is between 50,000 and 75,000. These limits will be proportionately reduced where: a) a company has one or more associated companies and b) in the case of an accounting period of less than twelve months in duration. A 10% rate applies to manufacturing companies and qualifying income of IFSC and Shannon companies. As of 1 January 2003, a standard corporation tax of 12.5% will apply. 26 Israel (2000 rate = 36%): Financial institutions are subject to a profits tax at the rate of 17% and a payroll tax at the rate of 17%, both of which are deductible for income tax purposes. The effective rate of tax on such corporations is 45.39%. Companies with an approved enterprise enjoy reduced rates of company tax which vary accordingly to location in a national priority zone, incentive route applied for and level of foreign ownership in the company. 27 Italy (2000 rate = 41.25%): The rate comprises a 37% federal rate and a 4.25% IRAP rate. As of 1 January 1998, the local income tax (ILOR) has been replaced by IRAP, the regional tax on productive activities. IRAP is applied on a broader tax base than that considered for corporate income tax purposes. As such, the effective rate is generally higher than indicated. For banks and insurance companies, the rate will be 4.75% in Japan (2000 rate = 42%): Includes corporate income tax (30%), business, prefectural and municipal taxes. The rate shown is the effective tax rate after taking into account a deduction for business tax. The effective tax rates are reduced to 42% as from 1 April Luxembourg (2000 rate = 37.45%): The corporate income tax rate (excluding a 4% surcharge) is 30%. The 37.45% rate includes municipal business tax at an effective rate of 9.09% (although rates vary among regions). Municipal tax is deductible from the (national) corporate tax on income. 30 Malaysia (2000 rate = 28%): Profits from inward reinsurance and offshore insurance are taxed at 5%. Income from a life fund is taxed at 8%. A non-resident is taxed either on 5% of gross shipping or air transport income derived from Malaysia or, on that part of the Malaysian gross income computed in the proportion of world-wide profits to world-wide gross income. Income derived by residents from the transportation of passengers or cargo on board Malaysian ships is exempt. Companies engaged in petroleum operations are subject to petroleum income-tax at 38% of net profits. Leasing income received by a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Malaysia for use of movable property is taxed at 10%; if leasing income constitutes business income of a permanent establishment, it will be taxed at 28%. 31 Mexico (2000 rate = 35%): For 1999 it is possible to defer 3% of the tax. The tax deferral will be paid when profits are distributed to shareholders. For year 2000 the deferred tax is 5%, payable when profits are distributed to shareholders. 32 Netherlands (2000 rate = 35%): For 1997, the fist NLG 100,000 of taxable profits is taxed at 36% (37% for 1996). Effective from 1 January 1998 there has been a flat corporate tax rate of 35%.

8 However, on the first NLG 50,000 of taxable profit a rate of 30% will apply as from 1 January Norway (2000 rate = 28%): For 2000, the rate comprises a 21.25% tax equalisation plus 6.7% municipal tax. 34 Panama (2000 rate = 37%): This rate includes a dividend tax at a rate of 10%. 35 Papua New Guinea (2000 rate = 25%): Resident large scale mining companies pay tax at 35%. Petroleum companies pay tax at 50%. Gas companies pay tax at 30%. Non-resident mining companies pay tax at 48%. A branch of a foreign company is taxed at 48%. Non-residents are taxed on deemed profit basis: 5% (shipping: 2.4%) and 10% (insurance: 4.8%). Foreign contractors engaged in civil works, installation, leasing of equipment etc. can elect to be taxed on a deemed profit basis of 25% (i.e., the effective tax rate works out to 12% of gross income). 36 Paraguay (2000 rate = 30%): Since Paraguay does not levy personal income tax, certain payments to non-taxpayers are not fully deductible for corporate income tax purposes. As such, the effective rate is higher than 30%. Profits remitted to non-resident shareholders are subject to an additional 5% rate of tax. Special tax rates exist which range from 0.5% to 10% depending on a company s activities. 37 Poland (2000 rate = 30%): Income from dividends is taxed at 20% and is excluded from the taxable base at the normal rate. 38 Portugal (2000 rate = 37.4%): Includes municipal tax at 3.4%. Municipal tax at a maximum of 10% of the national tax rate is levied in most municipalities. 39 Singapore (2000 rate = 26%): The concessionary tax rate of 10% applies to entities engaged in certain offshore activities including offshore banking, offshore leasing, offshore insurance and reinsurance, offshore oil trading and offshore commodity trading, finance and treasury centres and operational headquarters companies. Shipping enterprises transporting outbound passengers, mail, livestock or goods from Singapore are exempt from tax. 40 Sri Lanka (2000 rate = 35%): Exporters or deemed exporters (other than those dealing with traditional products) the tourism and agricultural industry and construction activity carried on by resident persons enjoy a concessionary tax rate of 15%. Remittance of profits by a non-resident company attracts a remittance tax of 33 1/3%, to a maximum of 11.11% of taxable income in the fiscal year in which the remittance is made. 41 Sweden (2000 rate = 28%): An optional provision for untaxed income is available. The provision must not exceed 20% of the tax base and must be dissolved within the following six years. 42 Switzerland (2000 rate = 25.1%): The effective corporate tax rate comprises federal, cantonal and municipal taxes. The rates shown are the maximum statutory (after-tax) rates for an ordinary company in the city of Zurich. These rates are fairly typical. The effective tax rate, based on pretax income, is lower than the statutory rate and amounts to 25.1%. Most cantonal income tax rates are progressive, which is determined on the basis of the ratio of income to shareholder's equity. 43 Taiwan (2000 rate = 25%): The corporate tax rate of 25% is the maximum rate in a progressive rate structure. The rate is applicable on income in excess of NT$100, Thailand (2000 rate = 30%): Foreign companies are subject to tax on the remittance of profits out of Thailand at the rate of 10%. Foreign companies carrying on the business of international transport in Thailand are subject to tax on income from such business at the rate of 3% on the fares, fees and other benefits collectible in Thailand in respect of the carriage of passengers and at the rate of 3% on the freight, fees and any other benefits collectible whether in Thailand or elsewhere in respect of the transport of goods from Thailand. The net profits derived by a company from the operation of an international banking facility are subject to income tax at the rate of 10%. Companies that are granted a concession to explore for and produce petroleum are subject to petroleum income tax at the rate of 50% of net profits. A company may be granted exemption from

9 corporate income tax under the investment promotion privileges granted by the Board of Investment. 45 Turkey (2000 rate = 33%): The corporate tax rate is 33% which is composed of 30% on corporate tax base plus 10% on mainstream corporation tax. If there is income which is exempt from corporate tax then this income will be subject to withholding tax irrespective of whether it is distributed or retained. The withholding taxes on such income vary between zero and 16.5% including a 10% surcharge. 46 Uruguay (2000 rate = 30%): Corporate income tax is not deductible from taxable profits for purposes of applying the 30% rate. 48 United Kingdom (2000 rate = 30%): A small companies rate of 20% at 1 January 2000 (21% at 1 January 1999) applies to companies with profits up to GBP 300,000. Marginal relief applies on profits up to GBP 1,500,000. From 1 April 2000 a 10% rate will apply to companies with taxable profits up to GBP 10,000 with marginal relief up to GBP 50,000. Companies with profits between GBP 50,000 and GBP 300,000 will continue to pay tax at the small companies rate, which will not necessarily remain at 20% (although the full rate will remain at 30% for the year from 1 April 2000). All these limits are reduced where there are associated companies. Bermuda, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man These countries are Dependent Territories or Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom, which has formally confirmed that the OECD Convention applies to these countries. Details of their corporate tax rates are provided here, but these countries are not included in calculating the averages and ranges indicated above. Bermuda: Bermuda levies no tax on profits, dividends or income, nor is there any withholding tax, capital gains tax, gift tax, or any personal tax. Exempt companies can apply for legal protection against the possibility of future taxes up to the year Gibraltar: Resident companies are subject to corporate tax at the rate of 35%. Special rules apply to qualifying and exempt companies. Qualifying companies pay corporation tax at a rate agreed with the tax authorities, which may be between 0% and 35%. Exempt companies are liable to a fixed payment of GBP 225 per annum if resident, and GBP 200 if non-resident. Guernsey: Resident companies are subject to the standard income tax rate of 20%. Special rules apply to banks, captive insurance companies, investment funds and certain other entities which may pay tax at rates as low as 2%. Certain companies may also become exempt and pay only GBP 600 per annum. International Companies may agree a rate of tax from just above 0% to 30%. Jersey: Resident companies are subject to the standard rate of income tax of 20%. Certain companies may also become exempt or gain the status of International Business Company (IBC). Exempt companies pay GBP 600 per annum. IBC s pay tax at 2% or less on profits from international activities and 30% on Jersey-source income. Isle of Man: Resident companies are now taxed at only 15% on the first 100,000 of income, and 20% on the balance. Banks which carry on "international loan business" are taxed at an effective rate of 2% on the profits from such business. Insurance companies which do not insure local (ie IOM) risks qualify for complete exemption, as do "managed banks", and managers of IOM regulated funds (except exempt schemes) qualify for an effective 5% rate. The tax exemption fee (for companies wholly owned by non-residents which carry on no local business and are not regulated activities) is 400 per annum, and the international company tax (qualifying conditions broadly the same as for exempt companies) is a minimum of 1,200 and a maximum of 35%. 48 United States (2000 rate = 40%): The federal tax rate is 35%. State and local income tax rates generally range from less than 1% to 12%. A corporation may deduct its state and local income tax expense when computing its federal taxable income, generally resulting in an effective rate of approximately 40%. The effective rate may vary significantly depending on the locality in which a corporation conducts business.

10 49 Venezuela (2000 rate = 34%): The effective tax rate depends on the application of investment tax credits for investments in fixed assets, which are currently 20% for corporations (except corporations in the hydrocarbons industries). Corporations engaged in the exploitation of hydrocarbons and related activities are generally subject to a 67.7% rate of tax on their income, including income from other sources. The rate indicated does not include municipal business taxes which apply at rates ranging from 0.3% - 9.4% of gross income, depending on the district and the business activity. VAT, corporate registration fees and a 1% business asset tax also apply. 50 Vietnam (2000 rate = 14.5%-32.5%): A 25% tax rate applies to resident joint venture companies. Vietnamese companies and non-resident companies are taxed at rates from 32% to 45%. Oil and gas companies are taxed at a rate of 50%. Tax holidays or tax incentives for preferred projects can reduce the rate below 25%.