Direct Tax - Direct Taxation in Other Countries

Direct Taxation in Other Countries

Tax policy in the European Union (EU) consists of two components: direct taxation, which remains the sole responsibility of Member States, and indirect taxation, which affects free movement of goods and the freedom to provide services. With regard to European Union direct taxes, Member States have taken measures to prevent tax avoidance and double taxation. EU direct taxation covers, regarding companies, the following policies: common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, common system of taxation applicable in the case of parent companies and subsidiaries of different Member States (to avoid withholding tax when the dividend qualifies for application of the EC Parent-Subsidiary Directive, Financial transaction tax, interest and royalty payments made between associated companies and elimination of double taxation if the payment qualifies for application of the EC Interest and Royalties Directive. Regarding direct taxation for individuals, the policies cover taxation of savings income, dividend taxation of individuals and tackling tax obstacles to the cross-border provision of occupational pensions.