4 facts you didn’t know about international collaboration on tax matters

Did you know that there is a United Nations Committee that guides UN Member States on domestic and international tax matters? From 18 to 21 October 2022, its 25 members will meet to discuss topics ranging from bilateral tax treaties, indirect and health taxes, to environmental taxation. Here are four facts you didn’t know about the UN Tax Committee and its vital work.

1. 1. 25 members from different parts of the world lead the work

The United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters is comprised of twenty-five members that are nominated by Governments, drawn from Ministries of Finance and Tax Administration from all over the world.  Acting in their personal capacity, the members are appointed by the UN Secretary-General for a term of four years. The current membership, which has been in place since 1 July 2021, reflects an adequate equitable geographical representation, with over half of members coming from developing countries.

2. 2. Prevents double taxation, non-taxation and tax evasion

The Committee generates practical guidance for governments, tax administrations and taxpayers to help formulate, implement, and administer tax laws dealing with a variety of issues to mobilize financing for sustainable development. The Committee aims to prevent “double (or multiple) taxation” and “non-taxation” and assists countries to broaden their tax base and to strengthen their tax administrations. The Committee also fosters cooperation between countries to prevent internationally-active companies from avoiding or evading taxes.

3. 3. Promotes public revenue for sustainable development

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), countries need affordable financing to invest in reducing poverty and making a better world for all people. Collecting taxes is a fundamental way for countries to generate public revenues for sustainable development. Taxation not only pays for public goods and services, it is also a key ingredient in the social contract between citizens and their government and an important policy lever for incentivizing sustainable development.

4. 4. Follow the work of the Committee in person or online

Observers can attend the upcoming 25th Session of the UN Tax Committee in Geneva from 18 to 21 October 2022 in-person or virtually by registering for the session. They can also keep track of the latest issues, workshops and events at the UN Tax Cooperation website: http://voice.marketingbangkok.net/financing/topics/tax-cooperation