Tax, law and development

Anyone working on tax policy for middle and low income countries will consider this book a must-read. Economic globalization of capital markets and multinational corporations has overtaken the abilities of many countries to tax incomes of multinationals and individual residents. From extraction industries to fiscal federalism, the papers demonstrate the importance of sound legal frameworks and formal cooperation across multiple countries and levels of government for implementing sound tax policy in developing nations. Michael J. Wasylenko, Syracuse University, US There is an important need for independent academic scholarship like that in this volume that takes into account the differing perspectives of developing countries and does not look for 'one size fits all' theories or prescriptions ... The diverse group of legal scholars from six continents who have contributed to this volume critically address issues from perspectives not restricted to traditional tax policy conceptions and paradigms. As a result, this volume is rich with insights on new and old issues at the intersection of tax, law and development. From the foreword by Stephen E. Shay, Harvard Law School, US Comprising original essays written by top legal scholars, this innovative volume is the most comprehensive collection to date of independent academic work exploring the relationship between tax, law and development. Contributors cover a range of tax issues, drawing on economic, political, social, and institutional perspectives to offer a comprehensive view of how tax laws affect and are affected by human economic development. Hailing from across the globe, contributors offer expert insight into tax issues in China, Brazil, South Africa, India, and other developing countries. Following a thorough examination of current policy approaches to tax problems in developing nations, the writers conclude that new solutions are needed, and outline a number of groundbreaking ideas and proposals designed to mitigate many of the problems associated with tax law and economic development. Professors, students, and researchers with an interest in tax, law, development, and globalization will find much to admire in this critical and groundbreaking addition to the literature.

pt. I. Introduction : tax reform and financing for development -- pt. II. Tax competition and tragic choices -- pt. III. In search of 'searchers' to find unique solutions to common tax challenges -- pt. IV. Tax equity, redistribution and aid -- pt. V. Tax cooperation.