The Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) : should Malta adopt it?

Abstract

Tax harmonisation is critical to the operation of the Single Market so that goods, services, people and capital can move freely around the EU. Full realization of the single European market is impeded because businesses operating across borders deal with many different company tax regimes. To help remove this obstacle, the European Commission wants to introduce a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). The diversity of company taxation in the EU causes several distortions and obstacles with respect to cross-border business activities. As László Kovács, the Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union commented: ??the CCCTB is the solution to eliminate existing fiscal obstacles throughout the European Union, help companies to improve their competitiveness and make Europe a more attractive place to do business.? (László Kovács, 2007) 1 However, there has been considerable debate and discussion by the Member States who are not very optimistic about this ambitious project. Member States currently benefiting from lower corporation taxes in relation to their EU neighbours are opposing the CCCTB. Similarly, this research shows that CCCTB may negatively impact Malta. The main reasons being that currently Malta has a taxable system that attracts many investments, while being also relatively simple. Furthermore, CCCTB may shift taxable profits out of Malta and create more administrative costs and complications for both Inland Revenue and businesses alike.