28 Amendments of Molly SCOTT CATO related to 2017/0138(CNS)
Amendment 25 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Member States find it increasingly difficult to protect their national tax bases from erosion as tax planning structures have evolved to be particularly sophisticated and often take advantage of the increased mobility of both capital and persons within the internal market. These structures commonly consist of arrangements which are developed across various jurisdictions and move taxable profits towards more beneficial tax regimes or have the effect of reducing the taxpayer´s overall tax bill. As a result, Member States often experience considerable reductions in their tax revenues which hinder them from applying growth-friendly tax policiesfinancing public services and managing a more progressive tax system. It is therefore critical that Member States' tax authorities obtain comprehensive and relevant information about potentially aggressive tax arrangementsarrangements facilitating tax evasion and tax avoidance. This information would enable those authorities to be able to promptly react against harmful tax practices and to close loopholes through enacting legislation or by undertaking adequate risk assessments and carrying out tax audits. A lack of reaction from tax authorities on reported schemes should not however be interpreted as implicit clearance by the authorities.
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Considering that most of the potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements span across more than one jurisdiction, the disclosure of information about those arrangements would bring additional positive results where that information was also exchanged amongst Member States. In particular, the automatic exchange of information between tax administrations is crucial in order to provide these authorities with the necessary information to enable them to take action where they observe aggressive tax practices. However, Member States are encouraged to establish similar disclosure requirement for arrangements that exist solely in their jurisdiction only.
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Recognising how a transparent framework for developing business activity could contribute to clamping down on tax avoidance and evasion in the internal market, the Commission has been called on to embark on initiatives on the mandatory disclosure of potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements along the lines of Action 12 of the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS). In this context, the European Parliament has demonstrated the crucial role of intermediaries in advising, creating and managing tax schemes and called for tougher measures against intermediaries who assist in arrangements that may lead to tax avoidance and evasion.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is necessary to recall how certain financial intermediaries and other providers of tax advice, and auditors, seem to have actively assisted their clients to conceal money offshore. Furthermore, although the CRS introduced by Council Directive (EU) 2014/10727 is a significant step forward in establishing a tax transparent framework within the Union, at least in terms of financial account information, it can still be improved. _________________ 27 Council Directive (EU) 2014/107 of 9 December 2014 amending Directive 2011/16/EU as regards mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation (OJ L 359, 16.2.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is necessary to recall how certain financial intermediaries and other providers of tax advice seem to have actively assisted their clients to conceal money offshore. Furthermore, although the CRS introduced by Council Directive (EU) 2014/10727 is a significant step forward in establishing a tax transparent framework within the Union, at least in terms of financial account information, it can still be improved. In addition, Member States' capacity to process the amount of financial information received should be enhanced accordingly and tax administrations' financial, human and IT resources should be increased. _________________ 27 Council Directive (EU) 2014/107 of 9 December 2014 amending Directive 2011/16/EU as regards mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation (OJ L 359, 16.2.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The disclosure of potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements of a cross-border dimension can contribute effectively to the efforts for creating an environment of fair taxation in the internal market. In this light, an obligation on intermediaries to inform tax authorities on certain cross-border arrangements that could potentially be used for tax avoidance purposes would constitute a step in the right direction. In order to develop a more comprehensive policy, it would also be significant that as a second step, following disclosure, the tax authorities automatically share information with their peers in other Member States. Such arrangements should also enhance the effectiveness of the CRS. In addition, it would be crucial to grant the Commission access to a sufficient amount ofrelevant information so that it can monitor the proper functioning of this Directive and live up to its responsibilities under competition policies. Such access to information by the Commission does not discharge a Member State from its obligations to notify any state aid to the Commission.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The disclosure of potentially aggressive tax planning arrangements of a cross-border dimension can contribute effectively to the efforts for creating an environment of fair taxation in the internal market. In this light, an obligation on intermediaries and auditors to inform tax authorities on certain cross-border arrangements that could potentially be used for tax avoidance purposes would constitute a step in the right direction. In order to develop a more comprehensive policy, it would also be significant that as a second step, following disclosure, the tax authorities share information with their peers in other Member States. Such arrangements should also enhance the effectiveness of the CRS. In addition, it would be crucial to grant the Commission access to a sufficient amount of information so that it can monitor the proper functioning of this Directive. Such access to information by the Commission does not discharge a Member State from its obligations to notify any state aid to the Commission.
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Given that the primary objective of such legislation should focus on ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market, it would be critical not to regulate at the level of the Union beyond what is necessary to achieve the envisaged aims. This is why it would be necessary to limit any common rules on disclosure to cross- border situations, namely situations in either more than one Member State or a Member State and a third country. In such circumstances, due to the potential impact on the functioning of the internal market, one can justify the need for enacting a common set of rules, rather than leaving the matter to be dealt with at the national level. If a Member State implements further national reporting measures of a similar nature, the additional information collected should be shared with other Member States if relevant.
Amendment 77 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 18 – point c
Article 3 – point 18 – point c
(c) one or more of the parties to the arrangement or series of arrangements carries on a businessn activity in another jurisdiction through a permanent establishment or a controlled foreign company situated in that jurisdiction and the arrangement or series of arrangements forms part or the whole of the businessactivity of that permanent establishment;
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 18 – point d
Article 3 – point 18 – point d
(d) one or more of the parties to the arrangement or series of arrangements carries on a businessn activity in another jurisdiction withrough a permanent establishment which is not situated in that jurisdiction and the arrangement or series of arrangements forms part or the whole of the business of that permanent establishmentt creating a taxable presence in that jurisdiction;
Amendment 82 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 20
Article 3 – point 20
20. "hallmark" means a typical characteristic or feature of an arrangement or series of arrangements which is listed in Annex IV.
Amendment 85 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – point 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
While conducting tax and financial statements audits of intermediaries, as defined in this Article, auditors shall be subject to the same identification and disclosure obligations regarding potential aggressive tax schemes covered by article 8aaa of this Directive.
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 23 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – point 23 – point c a (new)
(ca) A taxpayer is the beneficial owner of another taxpayer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2015/849.
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 1
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to require intermediaries and auditors to file information with the competent tax authorities on a reportable cross-border arrangement or series of such arrangements within five working days, beginning on the day after the reportable cross-border arrangement or series of arrangements is made available for implementation by the intermediary to one or more taxpayers following contact with that taxpayer or those taxpayers, or where the first step in a series of arrangements has already been implemented.
Amendment 92 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Each Member State shallmay take the necessary measures to give intermediaries the right to a waiver from filing information on a reportable cross-border arrangement or series of such arrangements where they are entitled to a legal professional privilege under the national law of that Member State. In such circumstances, the obligation to file information on such an arrangement or series of arrangements shall be the responsibility of the taxpayer and intermediaries shall inform taxpayers of this responsibility due to the privilege.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to give intermediaries and auditors the right to a waiver from filing information on a reportable cross- border arrangement or series of such arrangements where they are entitled to a legal professional privilege under the national law of that Member State. In such circumstances, the obligation to file information on such an arrangement or series of arrangements shall be the responsibility of the taxpayer and intermediaries shall inform taxpayers of this responsibility due to the privilege.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Intermediaries and auditors may only be entitled to a waiver under the first subparagraph to the extent that they operate within the limits of the relevant national laws that define their professions.
Amendment 101 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 4
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 4
4. Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to require intermediaries and taxpayers to file information on reportable cross-border arrangements that were implemented between [date of political agreement] and 31 December 2018since 1 January 2009. Intermediaries and taxpayers, as appropriate, shall file information on those reportable cross- border arrangements by 31 March 2019.
Amendment 103 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article a a a – paragraph 4
Chapter II – section II – Article a a a – paragraph 4
4. Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to require intermediaries, auditors and taxpayers to file information on reportable cross-border arrangements that were implemented between [date of political agreement] and 31 December 2018 Intermediaries, auditors and taxpayers, as appropriate, shall file information on those reportable cross- border arrangements by 31 March 2019.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/UEU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point a
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point a
(a) the identification of intermediaries, or, where applicable auditors, and taxpayers, including their name, residence for tax purposes, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) and, where appropriate, the persons who are associated enterprises to the intermediary or taxpayer;
Amendment 107 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point a
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point a
(a) the identification of intermediaries and taxpayers, including their name, nationality, residence for tax purposes, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) and, where appropriate, the persons who are associated enterprises to the intermediary or taxpayer;
Amendment 108 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point c
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point c
(c) a summary of the content of the reportable cross-border arrangement or series of such arrangements, including a reference to the name by which they are commonly known, if any, and a description in abstract terms of the relevant business activities or arrangements, without leading to the disclosure of a commercial, industrial or professional secret or of a commercial process, or of information whose disclosure would be contrary to public policy;
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point d
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point d
(d) the starting date thatof the implementation of the reportable cross- border arrangement or of the first step in a series of such arrangements is to start or started;
Amendment 111 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point e
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point e
(e) details of the national tax provisions the application of which creates a tax advantageforming the basis for the reportable arrangements or series of arrangements, if applicable;
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point h
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 6 – point h
(h) the identification of any person in the other Member States, if any, likely to be affected by the reportable cross-border arrangement or series of such arrangements indicating to which Member States the affected intermediaries, auditors or taxpayers are linked.
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 8
Chapter II – section II – Article 8 a a a – paragraph 8
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
The competent authorities of all Member States shall have access to the information recorded in that directory. Tand the Commission shall also have access to the information recorded in that directory, however within the limitations set out in Articles 8a(8) and 8aaa(8). The necessary practical arrangements shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 26(2).
Amendment 120 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall communicate to the Commission a yearly assessment of the effectiveness of the automatic exchange of information referred to in Articles 8, 8a, 8aa and 8aaa as well as the practical results achieved. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt the form and the conditions of communication for that yearly assessment. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 26(2). Member States shall communicate to the Commission information about the number of arrangements or series of arrangements disclosed (as classified in Annex IV), the nationality of taxpayers benefiting from these arrangements and the number of sanctions applied to intermediaries or taxpayers disclosing aggressive tax arrangements. The Commission shall produce a yearly public report with this information.