The Impact of Financial Transaction Tax on Companies - A Discussion

In February 2013, eleven Member States agreed to adopt the Commissions' Proposal for a Council Directive implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of financial transaction tax, COM (2013)71 final. This article reviews three thematic areas frequently discussed by practitioners and academia alike on the impact that the Proposal could have on companies operating within participating Member States. This includes the impact on capital and related costs, business strategy and compliance considerations. I ask the question whether the unintentional repercussions could be mitigated by making adjustments to the current Proposal including the expansion of exemptions and the adoption of an implementation framework that takes inspiration from the Value Added Tax System that is already implemented across Member States.