Published On : 11/10/2023

Germany approves global minimum corporate tax

BERLIN (Reuters) – The German parliament on Friday approved the implementation of a global minimum corporate tax, as part of an international deal to ensure large companies pay a minimum tax rate of 15%.

Multinational firms will have to pay that level of tax on all of the profits they make worldwide, regardless of where the profits are generated.

In 2021 almost 140 countries agreed to an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development deal they are meant to implement from next year to prevent big companies like Alphabet’s Google or Amazon avoiding taxation by transferring profits to low-tax countries.

This will apply to all such companies and large-scale domestic groups with turnover above 750 million euros ($800 million) per year.

The increase is expected to raise $220 billion globally for governments strapped for cash after the COVID-19 pandemic and struggling to ride out a cost-of-living crisis, although the ratification process has hit hurdles in various countries.

Last December the European Union member states agreed on a common directive to ensure uniform implementation of the tax within the EU, and that directive must be passed into national law in all EU countries by the end of the year.

The law was approved in Germany with the support of all the coalition parties and the main opposition party.

The Ministry of Finance estimated earlier this year that additional tax revenue of 910 million euros could be expected in Germany from 2026. In 2027 and 2028, the tax is forecast to bring in 535 and 285 million euros, respectively.

($1 = 0.9362 euros)

(Reporting by Maria Martinez; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Wanda Rich

Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.