Tax challenges in the digital economy

This paper analyses direct and indirect tax challenges in the digital economy in light of the conclusions of the OECD's BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Project. While assessing the recent reforms in the area of taxation within the EU and third countries, it revisits the question of whether or not specific measures are needed for the digital sector. Taking into account the recent scandals involving big digital companies and their aggressive tax planning practices in the EU, the specificities of the digital sector and the legal landscape in the 28 Member States, the paper makes policy recommendations for further tax reforms in order to tackle tax avoidance and harmful competition. This document was provided/prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the TAXE2 Committee.