Double taxation is unquestionably a problem in the European Community and one that must be dealt with urgently. Not only does it create economic distortions and breach the principle of neutrality of taxation but it also constitutes a major obstacle to international trade decreasing the economies of scale for investors wishing to venture beyond their national boundaries. Arguably, it is a problem that challenges the very essence of the common market.This book cogently examines a number of critical issues stemming from double taxation in the European Union: the problem of juridical double taxation and how tax treaties have been used to mitigate it; and, how a federation of fiscally independent states such as the United States has dealt with double taxation and tax location shopping the latter as an analogue to treaty-shopping. The European Union's attitude to juridical double taxation and tax treaties. Whether treaty-shopping practices might in fact enjoy the protection of fundamental freedoms and whether anti-treaty-shopping provisions restrict the application of such freedoms.

How does EU law affect Member State corporate tax systems and the cross-border activities of companies? This book traces the historical development of EU corporate tax law and provides an in-depth analysis of a number of issues affecting companies, groups of companies, and permanent establishments. Christiana HJI Panayi examines existing legislation, soft law, and the case law of the Court of Justice, as well as the Commission's burgeoning external tax policy initiatives. The book not only explores the tax issues pertaining to direct investment, but also analyzes the taxation of passive investment income, corporate reorganisations, exit taxes, and the treatment of anti-abuse regimes. Through this careful analysis, the book highlights the convergences and divergences arising from the interplay between EU corporate tax law and international tax law, especially the OECD model tax convention. This second edition also reviews developments in the context of the State aid prohibition and high-profile cases on tax rulings.

Offering a comprehensive exploration of EU taxation law, this engaging Research Handbook investigates the relevant legal principles in the context of both direct and indirect taxation. The important issues and debates arising from these general principles are expertly unpicked, with leading scholars examining the status quo as well as setting out a clear agenda for future research. This multidisciplinary book provides an insight into the taxation of individuals, businesses, passive investment and the non-profit sector. It reviews the harmonisation debate in the areas of corporate taxation and Value Added Tax, and also analyses the current developments as to energy and environmental taxation. Tax competition, state aid and the impact of the international polemic against aggressive tax planning are explored, as are the more procedural but equally important topics dealing with cooperation between tax authorities, exchange of information, taxpayer rights and dispute resolution. The final part of this book examines the external dimension to EU tax law - not only as far as the fundamental freedoms are concerned but also in the context of trade agreements and association agreements. An essential resource for students and scholars of EU taxation law, this Handbook will also appeal to practitioners and government officials working in taxation across the EU and beyond. Contributors include: N. Bammens, G. Bizioli, L. Cerioni, I. De Troyer, A.P. Dourado, M. Gammie, W. Haslehner, M. Helminen, S. Hemels, C.A. Herbain, J. Hey, R. Ismer, S. Kargitta, G. Kofler, M. Lamensch, R. Luja, R. Lyal, A. Maitrot de la Motte, C.H.J.I. Panayi, K. Perrou, S. Piotrowski, A. Pirlot, E. Reimer, R. Seer, D. Smit, K. Spies, R. Szudoczky, E. Traversa, F. Vanistendael

This book examines recent developments and high-profile debates that have arisen in the field of international tax law and European tax law. Topics such as international tax avoidance, corporate social responsibility, good governance in tax matters, harmful tax competition, state aid, tax treaty abuse and the Financial Transaction Tax are considered. The OECD/G20 project on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) features prominently in the book. The interaction with the European Union's Action Plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion is also considered. Particular attention is paid to specific BEPS deliverables, exploring them through the prism of European Union law. Can the two approaches be aligned or are there inherent conflicts between them? The book also explores whether, when it comes to aggressive tax planning, there are internal conflicts between the established case law of the Court of Justice and the emerging policy of the European institutions. By so doing it offers a review of issues which are of constitutional importance to the European Union. Finally, the book reflects on the future of international and European tax law in the post-BEPS world.

This book examines recent developments and high-profile debates that have arisen in the field of international tax law and European tax law. Topics such as international tax avoidance, corporate social responsibility, good governance in tax matters, harmful tax competition, state aid, tax treaty abuse and the Financial Transaction Tax are considered. The OECD/G20 project on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) features prominently in the book. The interaction with the European Union's Action Plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion is also considered. Particular attention is paid to specific BEPS deliverables, exploring them through the prism of European Union law. Can the two approaches be aligned or are there inherent conflicts between them? The book also explores whether, when it comes to aggressive tax planning, there are internal conflicts between the established case law of the Court of Justice and the emerging policy of the European institutions. By so doing it offers a review of issues which are of constitutional importance to the European Union. Finally, the book reflects on the future of international and European tax law in the post-BEPS world.