Ireland 'easiest place in EU' to pay tax

News Article - 12 November 2008
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The Republic of Ireland is the easiest place for businesses to pay tax in the EU, according to a new study.

Research by the World Bank, IFC and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), revealed that Ireland came sixth overall, with three other European countries - Denmark, Luxembourg and the UK - also in the top 20.

The Paying Taxes 2009 report found that many tax authorities globally are reducing complexity in their tax systems through a variety of means, including lowering taxes, simplifying administration procedures and improving payment systems.

However, Susan Symons, a PwC LLP partner, claimed that while the reforms have had a "positive impact", "these benefits could be multiplied if tax reform is looked at in its entirety".

She continued: "Tax reform should include all business taxes - not just corporate income tax.

"It should include all administrative aspects and the relationships between government and business generally."

Overall, the Dominican Republic performed best in terms of tax reform, lowering its corporate income tax to 25 per cent from 30 per cent in 2007/08.

It also removed a number of taxes, deployed an online payment system and lowered property transfer tax.

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