Taxation

Aims

The module aims to provide a good understanding of the trading activity taxation developments, as a result of the globalisation of markets, which affect the planning of management actions. This course will identify the main tax principles which should be taken into consideration when organizations plan their international operations. It will focus on the management level decision making process, however aspects of public finance dimension will be considered in order to provide a more holistic approach of the issues concerned. This course also deals with certain principles related to cross border taxation (transfer pricing, double taxation treaties etc). Finally, attention will also be given to tax history issues, administration and conformity costs, direct and indirect taxes, capital taxes etc.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Understand how different international tax principles are applied in practice
  • Understand how taxation might affect managerial decisions
  • Appreciate the importance of tax planning and its effect on business
  • Understand how authorities approach the setting and critically evaluate key aspects of international taxation focusing on alternative frameworks (financial, social, political etc)
  • Describe and assess various elements of international taxation including double tax agreements, double taxation relief methods etc
  • Be familiar with extended academic research related to various issues concerning taxation
  • Combine and critically assess the most important issues in taxation theoretical background and practice
  • Extent their knowledge from other business subjects by considering the dimension of taxation in more detail

Content

  • Introduction to taxation and to international taxation
  • The double tax problem and double tax relief in practice
  • Tax planning for multinational companies
  • Permanent establishments
  • The taxation of cross-border services
  • Overseas expansion: structuring and financing
  • Introduction to tax havens/Anti-haven legislation
  • European Corporation Tax Issues
  • Vat and Customs Duties
  • Tax and Development