Would introducing formula apportionment in the European Union be a dream come true or the EU’s worst nightmare?

B-Tier
Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2010
Volume: 25
Issue: 63
Pages: 537-590

Authors (5)

Leon Bettendorf (not in RePEc) Michael P. Devereux (not in RePEc) Albert Van Der Horst (not in RePEc) Simon Loretz (Österreichisches Institut für ...) Ruud A. de Mooij (International Monetary Fund (I...)

Score contribution per author:

0.402 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper explores the economic consequences of proposed EU reforms for a common consolidated corporate tax base. The reforms replace separate accounting with formula apportionment as a way to allocate corporate tax bases across countries. To assess the economic implications, we use a numerical computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for Europe. It encompasses several decision margins of firms such as marginal investment, FDI decisions, and multinational profit shifting. The simulations suggest that consolidation does not yield substantial welfare gains for Europe. The variation of effects across countries is large and depends on the choice of the apportionment formula. Consolidation with formula apportionment does not weaken incentives for tax competition. Tax competition instead offers a rationale for rate harmonization, in addition to base harmonization.— Leon Bettendorf, Michael P. Devereux, Albert van der Horst, Simon Loretz and Ruud A. de Mooij

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:ecpoli:v:25:y:2010:i:63:p:537-590.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-25