Unitary taxation for multinational companies: what it is and why it matters

We blogged recently that the UK’s main opposition party has committed to introducing unitary taxation by the end of the next parliamentary term. As we’ve said, it represents an important further normalisation of unitary taxation, and a potentially important step to ending the great damage done by corporate tax abuse internationally. In addition to our infographic here explaining unitary taxation, we think it’s useful to share an article for Open Democracy by one of our senior advisors, emeritus professor of law at Lancaster University, Professor Sol Picciotto. He was co-author of an important report whose recommendations have been adopted by the UK Labour Party.

In this article Professor Sol Picciotto addresses two important questions: could a UK government implement unitary taxation, and what would be the benefits? As he writes in his article:

adoption by a country such as the UK of a policy of moving towards unitary taxation with formula apportionment could accelerate the growing momentum for a more effective and comprehensive international solution. Indeed, earlier this year the Indian government put forward proposals to adopt fractional apportionment unilaterally, explaining how it could be compatible with its tax treaties. Even if not all countries follow, governments bold enough to lead the way could create a new consensus for reform of the rules to make them fit for the 21st century.”

In his view, unitary taxation is

a bold, visionary plan for taxing multinationals from the Labour Party – but it is also workable and necessary.”

You can read his full article here on the Open Democracy website.