Dividend Policy and Elimination of Double Taxation of Dividends*

Taiwan eliminated double taxation of dividends in 1999, and allowed firms to repurchase stocks from July 2000. Taiwanese firms tend to pay dividends as opposed to repurchasing stock, even with zero tax on capital gains, and firms pay larger dividends after the elimination of double taxation of dividends. The relation between dividends and director ownership has been reinforced by the elimination of double taxation of dividends. The relation between dividends and the elimination of double taxation of dividends has also been reinforced by director ownership as stockholders receive more tax credits from dividends following the elimination of double taxation of dividends and directors act to protect stockholders' interests.