E.U. versus O.E.C.D. Taxation – An Extended Overview for Direct Taxes and Social Contributions

In a borderless world governed by the mobility of production factors, especially of capital and work force, and characterized by the common markets, taxation/fiscal policy represents a key component of the economic reform and will have a profound impact upon the future of the global economy. For the European Union that still wishes to be seen as a unitary state/force, the complex taxation processes are leaving deep marks upon the business environment development. The OECD countries might not aim the complex coordination processes that define the European Union, but the taxation processes are not without effect upon the business environment development in OECD member states. This paper aims to present a detailed overview of the direct taxation systems – direct taxes and social contributions - at both European and worldwide levels by breaking it down to taxpayer level in order to underline the dynamics and complexity of the taxation process that affect the business environment development. Furthermore, the paper will highlight the impact that the financial crisis had had and still has upon the taxation systems - reducing the fiscal burden upon corporate taxpayer and shifting the burden upon the personal taxpayers.