Causes, Benefits, and Risks of Business Tax Incentives

Author/Editor:

Alexander D Klemm

Publication Date:

January 1, 2009

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper provides an updated overview of tax incentives for business investment. It begins by noting that tax competition is likely to be a major force driving countries' tax reforms, and discusses tax incentives as a possible response to this. This is complemented by other arguments for and against tax incentives, and by an illustrative analysis of different incentives using effective tax rates. Findings from the empirical literature on tax incentives are also presented. Based on the overview of theoretical and empirical findings, the paper then suggests a matrix of criteria to determine the usefulness of different tax incentives depending on a country's circumstances.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2009/021

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

January 1, 2009

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451871685/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2009021

Pages:

29

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org