Corporate Tax Burden in the European Union

The main aim of this paper has been to analyse the tax burden exerted by Corporate Income Tax (CIT) on European Union (EU) companies using the effective tax rate (ETR) as a tool for analysis. For this purpose, a sample of listed companies in the EU was extracted from the Datastream/Worldscope database for the period 1995-2005. This analysis allowed us to determine the tax burden experienced by companies. The results have showed significant differences between the different EU countries as well as between statutory tax rates (STR) and ETRs. Likewise it has been proved that general reductions in STR do not have the expected effect on the tax burden. These results are especially relevant in the present environment, which is characterized by the discussion regarding harmonizing measures for CIT, which will limit its impact on business decisions regarding locating within the EU.