tax inequality

The Mauritius Leaks show that tax havens continue not only to exist but to prosper, despite government promises to rein in tax dodging. This briefing lists five steps governments can take to tackle tax avoidance, and end the era of tax havens and the race to the bottom on corporate taxation.

European Union finance ministers have removed the British territory of Bermuda, Barbados, and the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba from the EU blacklist of tax havens today.

Tax havens deprive governments around the world of billions of dollars each year, fuelling inequality and poverty. The EU blacklisting process was announced as an attempt to put an end to the era of tax havens. Unfortunately – according to Oxfam research – the EU is set to whitewash some of the world’s worst tax havens.

This joint briefing from Oxfam, Christian Aid, Action Aid and the CBI reflects a growing convergence between businesses and tax advocacy groups on the use of tax incentives in the Global South.  It argues that tax incentives can be a useful tool in promoting decent jobs and growth.  But it also contends that too often tax incentives are used in inefficient and ineffective ways, and in the worst cases are entirely redundant.  

Collecting tax is one of the key means by which governments are able to address poverty. But big business is dodging tax on an industrial scale. This report exposes the world’s worst corporate tax havens and calls on governments to work together to put a stop to this race to the bottom.

Today the European Commission released its fourth package to combat tax evasion and tax avoidance. This corporate tax reform package notably includes a proposal to harmonize the tax base among EU 28 member states. Oxfam supports the ongoing efforts of the European Commission to reopen discussions on tax base harmonization and to push ahead in the fight against tax avoidance.

“The G20 reiterated previous commitments to reduce inequality, boost the participation of women in work and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The G20 said they would draw up a proper response to the refugee and migrant challenge next year, which is too late. The world needs urgent action now, not more words.”