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Trade and Tax Policy (LAWS70465)
Graduate coursework level 7Points: 12.5Not available in 2017
About this subject
Overview
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Tariffs and other indirect taxes, whether applied at the border or internally, have long been subject to the binding multilateral rules embodied in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This subject, taught by a leading international consultant on tax and trade, provides an overview of how taxation is subject to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, analysing the relevant WTO agreements and articles and cases ruled on by the Dispute Settlement Body.
In recent years, because tax measures can be used as substitutes for other types of protection and government assistance, taxation has come under increased scrutiny at the WTO and disputes concerning taxation are becoming more frequent. This is reflected in several of the agreements negotiated under the Uruguay Round, notably subsidies and trade-related investment agreements. Direct as well as indirect taxes are subject to WTO rules, in spite of efforts by tax authorities to secure exemptions for certain direct tax measures. As a result, WTO rules are an important factor in shaping country tax policies. The subject also examines some tax measures that may not contravene WTO rules, but still affect the international movement of goods, services, capital, technology and persons, and it highlights inconsistencies in WTO rules as they address taxation.
Principal topics will include:
- Overview of the WTO and its underlying principles
- Key tax policy concepts
- Border taxes: tariffs and other taxes on imports
- Border taxes: export and other similar taxes
- Internal indirect taxes: excise and similar (including environmental) taxes
- Internal indirect taxes: broad-based consumption taxes (e.g., VAT/GST)
- Internal direct taxes: corporate income tax
- Internal direct taxes: personal income tax and other taxes (on natural resources, property, etc)
- Anomalies in WTO tax rules
- Tax Policy issues at the WTO.
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject will:
- Develop an understanding of the multilateral rules embodied in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that bind Tariffs and other indirect taxes
- Acquire understanding of how taxation is subject to WTO rules
- Be able to analyse the relevant WTO agreements and articles and cases ruled on by the Dispute Settlement Body
- Understand subsidies and trade-related investment agreements
- Be aware of some tax measures that may not contravene WTO rules, but still affect the international movement of goods, services, capital, technology and persons.
Last updated: 3 November 2022