Tax Policy Analysis

Tax policy analysis consists of the identification and evaluation of the effects of tax policies that have occurred in the past or might be considered for the future. Its primary purpose is to assist policy makers in designing tax policies that are suited to their objectives. The OECD Tax Database compares tax statistics for member countries. Read more.

What's new

Developing well functioning financial markets: the tax dimension

26-Oct-2009

On October 26-28 in Beijing, China, the International Tax Dialogue conference brought together senior tax policymakers and administrators to discuss how the tax system can best support and promote a healthy and transparent financial environment. The press release is also available in Spanish.

Financial institutions and instruments: tax challenges and solutions

26-Oct-2009

In his opening remarks to the ITD Global Conference, Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General, said that innovation in the financial sector creates particular challenges for tax policy makers and administrators, but also offers unique opportunities.

Does tax affect SME creation and growth?

15-Oct-2009

The taxation of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) is an important topic for policy makers, as SMEs make up the vast majority of businesses and typically account for the bulk of employment in OECD countries.  The OECD has just released Tax Policy Study No. 18: “Taxation of SMEs: Key Issues and Policy Considerations”, which examines a broad range of SME tax issues, including: the possible influence of taxation on SME creation, business structure and growth; arguments for and against tax incentives for SMEs; and measures to address a relatively high tax compliance burden on SMEs.

OECD’s Taxing Wages shows small reduction in taxes on individual wage earners in 2008

12-May-2009

Taxes on wage earners fell slightly in 2008 in many OECD countries, with Poland and Turkey showing the biggest drop for an unmarried person earning the average wage, according to the OECD’s annual Taxing Wages publication. But the situation for 2009 remains unclear as fiscal stimulus packages often include tax measures.

Senior Management Appointment: Mr. Stephen Matthews, Chief Tax Economist/Head of the Tax Policy and Statistics Division

06-May-2009

The OECD’s Centre for Tax Policy and Administration is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Stephen Matthews as the Chief Tax Economist/Head of the Tax Policy and Statistics division, as of 4th May 2009.

Denmark, Sweden still the highest-tax OECD countries

15-Oct-2008

Denmark is confirmed as the OECD’s highest-tax country, followed by Sweden, while Mexico and Turkey remain the lowest-taxing countries, according to figures in the latest edition of the OECD’s annual Revenue Statistics publication.

See more news and events… Top of page

Special feature: Consumption taxation as an additional burden on labour income.

Taxing Wages 2007/2008: 2008 Edition

2008 special feature: The taxing power of sub-central governments

Revenue Statistics 1965-2007, 2008 Edition