Tax Proposals, Comparisons, and the Economy

Why the US is the World’s Corporate Headquarters

The reality is that the US is the winner from globalization, the capital of the world. Let’s keep it that way.

An “Outsourcing Tax” Is a Misguided Approach to Global Business

Senator Bernie Moreno’s (R-OH) Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act is a proposal to discourage US companies from outsourcing jobs and services abroad for products consumed by Americans.

Savings and Investment: The Tax Treatment of Stock and Retirement Accounts in OECD and EU Countries

Tax-preferred private retirement accounts often have complex rules and limitations. Universal savings accounts could be a simpler alternative—or addition—to many countries’ current system of private retirement savings accounts.

Tax

Fiscal Forum: Future of the EU Tax Mix with Dr. Jean-Philippe van West

Sean Bray interviews Dr. Jean-Philippe van West, Professor of International and European tax law at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, about the future of the EU tax mix.

Real Property Taxes in Europe, 2025

High property taxes levied not only on land but also on buildings and structures can discourage investment in infrastructure, which businesses would have to pay additional tax on.

The Transatlantic Balancing Act

Instead of getting stuck in a reactionary posture, European countries should simply aim for competitiveness, and the EU can support that work with stronger, more stable trade relationships.

Beer Taxes in Europe, 2025

With much of the continent celebrating Oktoberfest, it is a great time to examine beer taxes across Europe. Hefty beer taxes increase the price consumers pay for their libations.

Does the G7 Global Minimum Tax “Side-by-Side” Solution Give US Multinationals an Advantage?

Rather than returning to a world of retaliatory tax measures and transatlantic disputes, the OECD should continue to decrease the compliance costs of Pillar Two by simplifying the rules to reduce any possible risk that the US has a compliance cost advantage and working with G7 countries on a side-by-side solution.

Poor Tax Policy Is Worsening Cigarette Smuggling in the EU

Countries and global organizations should recognize the harms caused by cigarette smuggling and the fact that this illicit trade is a direct result of exorbitant tax policies.

Side-by-Side Pillar Two Deal a Good Start Toward Tax Simplicity

The US has a reasonably robust system for containing profit shifting; it is in effect already working towards the Pillar Two goals. Its negotiating posture is in many cases curbing unreasonable sidetracks, not undermining the whole project.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act Makes the Individual Income Tax More Complex

While the OBBBA brings some stability by making many of the TCJA’s reforms permanent, it generally fails to reform the tax code’s accumulating complexity.

Windfall Profits Taxes in Europe, 2025

As energy prices have declined, European countries have switched the focus of their windfall profits taxes—a one-time tax levied on a company or industry when economic conditions result in large, unexpected profits—from energy providers to the banking and financial sector.

The UK Should Lower or Abolish, Not Raise, Its VAT Registration Threshold

The United Kingdom Treasury’s proposal to increase in the value-added tax (VAT) registration threshold would hold back small business growth, reduce the efficiency of the VAT system, and lead to a revenue shortfall.

Seize the Moment: Full Expensing Can Boost Canada’s Economy

If Canada doesn’t make full expensing provisions permanent, it will drop to 13th place in the capital cost recovery ranking, once provisions expire in 2028.

Fiscal Forum: Future of the EU Tax Mix with Dr. Irma Mosquera Valderrama

Sean Bray interviews Dr. Irma Mosquera Valderrama, Full Professor of Tax Governance at Leiden Law School (Leiden University) and EU Jean Monnet Chair Holder on EU Tax Governance about the EU tax mix.

The Latest on the Global Tax Agreement

The agreement represents a major change for tax competition as well, and many countries will rethink their tax policies for multinationals. However, the US will continue to chart its own course, and other countries may prefer to do the same, depending on the final outcome of the G7 statement.

Trump Pharma Tariffs Would Raise Drug Prices for Americans

President Trump has recently floated the idea of imposing tariffs of up to 250 percent on pharmaceuticals, with the intention of shifting pharmaceutical production to the US. These tariffs would not only drive drug prices higher but could also lead to shortages and reduce long-run drug innovation.

Are Tobacco Taxes Still a Reliable Source of Revenue?

Even if tobacco tax increases generate more revenue in the short run, the shrinking tax base guarantees long-run revenue declines.

Capital Allowances in Europe, 2025

Although sometimes overlooked in discussions about corporate taxation, capital allowances play an important role in a country’s corporate tax base and can impact investment decisions—with far-reaching economic consequences.