<p>This thesis examines whether the fundamental freedoms of the EC Treaty prescribe most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment. The right to MFN treatment concerns the issue whether taxpayers resident in one Member State can “cherry-pick” the most beneficial tax treaty available to other taxpayers. Two issues of fundamental impor-tance are examined in this thesis. First, whether a resident of a Member State (A) who receives income in another Member State (B), can claim from that state, the most beneficial tax treaty available to a resident of a third Member State (C). Second, whether a resident can claim from his state of residence (A), the same tax treatment as provided in a tax treaty concluded by his state of residence and another Member State (C), when this tax treaty provides better treatment in terms of avoiding double taxa-tion in the state of residence than the tax treaty applicable to the source of income (B).</p><p>The ECJ has held that discrimination arises only through the application of different rules to comparable situations or the application of the same rule to different situa-tions. The current state of EC law prohibits unequal treatment of residents and non-residents as well as residents who have exercised their rights to free movement in comparison to residents who have not. The condition is that they must be considered to be in comparable situations and that there is no objective difference to justify the difference in treatment. The ECJ has so far not ruled on the MFN issue. It is there-fore uncertain as to whether Member States are obligated to treat; 1) different non-resident taxpayers equally and, 2) whether Member States are prohibited from treat-ing their own residents differently when they exercise their rights to free movement in different Member States.</p><p>This thesis identifies the requirements for the application of MFN treatment and ex-amines in which tax treaty provisions it is possible to apply MFN treatment. The ECJ, has in its case law, concluded that the application of tax treaties must be exer-cised in accordance EC law. It can be argued that a well-functioning internal market cannot allow bilateral tax treaties to provide preferential tax treatment to residents of one Member State, while denying it to residents of the remaining Member States. However, the application of MFN treatment could have far-reaching ramifications on the Member States’ existing tax treaty network. It is therefore fair to assume, as has been stated in other doctrinal opinions, that the ECJ will approach this issue care-fully when providing its interpretation on the matter.</p>

M.Comm. (International Taxation) / Under the South African income tax system, para 12 of the Eighth Schedule states that, when a person ceases to be a resident, he/she is deemed to have disposed of his/her worldwide assets (subject to certain exclusions) at market value the day before he/she terminates his/her residency. Such deemed disposal triggers a capital gains tax charge. Commonly referred to as the ‘exit tax’, it has been in place since the introduction of capital gains tax on 1 October 2001. A recent ruling in the Supreme Court of Appeals found that according to article 13 of a double tax agreement (hereafter “DTA”) based on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Model Tax Convention, a deemed disposal is regarded as an alienation of property, and (provided the exclusions do not apply) exclusive taxing rights are given to the Resident State. This has the effect to include the deemed disposal rules relating to exit taxes under this article and potentially override the application of an exit tax under domestic legislation. The override of exit taxes based on a DTA can deprive a country of its fair share of taxes and there is no protection for a country’s tax base. It is important to understand the exit tax and the interaction with DTAs to ensure that there is fairness and equity in the South African income tax system.

Modern technologies change economic relations in society and gradually transform the legislative framework. Blockchain-based cryptocurrencies are probably one of the most striking examples. Although they increase in value and are widely accepted as means of payment by major corporations, many EU member states are just starting to implement solutions to regulate their use, including in terms of taxation. At the same time, the EU fails to introduce a unified approach to the taxation of cryptocurrency transactions in its common economic area. Accordingly, the question arises as to whether the unified approach is justified, given the example of individual member states. The analysis of German, French, and Italian legislation showed that each state has a different approach to understanding the essence of cryptocurrencies. For example, Germany and France rely on the definition of “virtual currency” set forth in EU Directive 2015/849. However, while Germany uses the “cryptoassets” term, France uses the more general “digital assets” concept. In turn, Italy hasn’t enshrined yet any clear definition of cryptocurrencies in its legislation. This may lead to contradictions when considering international cases in the EU. Differences in understanding the essence of cryptocurrencies inevitably lead to differences in taxation approaches. On the one hand, Germany, France, and Italy recognise the validity of ECJ judgment in case C-264/14, exempting cryptocurrency transactions from VAT. On the other hand, while in Germany the profit from cryptocurrency trading is included in total personal income, thus, changing the progressive tax rate, this option is not possible for occasional transactions in France and is wholly excluded in Italy. Moreover, French law provides tax exemption for crypto-to-crypto exchange transactions. In Italy, this approach is accepted in practice, although not covered by the law. In turn, in Germany, taxes are levied on any transactions, which complicates the process of calculating the tax and creates uncertainty in specific issues, such as staking. Differences in the taxation of cryptocurrency transactions pose a question of the possibility of legal harmonisation, which is justified due to the underdevelopment of the principles of taxation of cryptocurrency transactions at the level of individual EU members. However, as a more correct solution, it is proposed to take measures to harmonise legislation based on directives, as this will allow avoiding an adverse impact on the fiscal sovereignty of the EU members.

As relações entre a Administração Pública e os cidadãos modificaram-se radicalmente ao longo das últimas décadas. Essa transformação também se reflete no âmbito do Direito Tributário. A administração tributária tem buscado adotar formas consensuais de prevenção ou solução de conflitos, pois o recurso ao Poder Judiciário demonstramorosidade e o prolongamento das demandas inevitavelmente traduz prejuízos para as partes envolvidas. O presente estudo enfoca o fenômeno dos contratos fiscais, assim entendidos os acordos firmados entre o Fisco e o contribuinte para a solução de problemas controversos envolvidos no processo de apuração e determinação da obrigação tributária. Analisam-se os limites à adoção de formas consensuais em matéria tributária, enfocando seu enquadramento com relação aos princípios da legalidade, tipicidade, igualdade, capacidade contributiva e especialmente da indisponibilidade do crédito tributário. Estudam-se os fenômenos da discricionariedade e concessão de margens de apreciação, uma vez que eles fundamentam a autonomia contratual da Administração Pública. São enfocados exemplos específicos de conceitos indeterminados, cláusulas gerais e outras formas de livre atuação administrativa em Direito Tributário. Considerando que contratos fiscais remete a um gênero, uma categoria superior que congrega diferentes formas de atuação pactuada da Administração Pública, apresenta-se sua conceituação e detalhes das suas características essenciais. São examinadas também as principais teorias para identificação da natureza jurídica específicas dos contratos fiscais, em torno das figuras de contrato ou ato administrativo. Enfocam-se ainda os principais fatores envolvidos na formação de tais contratos, bem como limites para sua revisão e anulação. São ressaltados detalhes específicos do papel da vontade do contribuinte nesse processo. Por último faz-se análise circunstanciadas das características de cinco espécies de contratos fiscais do Direito Tributário Brasileiro: acordos de fixação, regimes de quantificação padronizada dos tributos, soluções de consulta, contratos de isenção e transações em sentido estrito. / The relationship between public administration and citizens have changed radically over the past decades. This transformation is also reflected in the Tax Law. The tax administration has sought to adopt consensual ways of preventing or resolving conflicts, since the recourse to the judiciary demonstrates delays and prolongation of the demands inevitably translates into losses for the parties involved. This study focuses on the phenomenon of tax contracts, understood as the agreements between the IRS and the taxpayer to resolve controversial issues involved in the assessment and calculation of the tax liability. It examines the limits to the adoption of consensus regarding tax forms, focusing its framework with regard to the principles of legality, typicality, equality, ability to pay and especially the unavailability of the tax credit. We study the phenomena of discretion and margins of appreciation, since they underlie the contractual autonomy of the Public Administration. Particular attention is given to specific examples of indeterminate concepts, general clauses and other forms of administrative freedom of action in Tax Law. Whereas tax contracts is an expression that refers to a genre, a higher category that combines different forms of action agreed Public Administration, this study presents its concept and details of their essential characteristics. Also examined are the main theories to identify the specific legal nature of contracts tax, around the figures of contract or administrative act. Focus is still the main factors involved in the formation of such contracts, as well as limits for your review and annulment. It highlights specific details of the role of the will of the taxpayer in this process. Finally this study presents a detailed analysis of the characteristics of five species of contracts of the Brazilian Tax Law: agreements for the fixation of vagueness, contracts for standardized quantification of taxes, tax rulings, exemption contracts and transactions.

No contexto do sistema tributário nacional brasileiro, uma apuração correta da renda tributável demanda o respeito a princípios abrigados pela Constituição Federal expressa ou implicitamente e, dentre estes, vale citar o princípio da realização da renda que, numa descrição simplificada, auxilia na detecção da capacidade econômica apta a sofrer tributação, uma vez que delineia diretrizes mais concretas para a identificação do momento adequado para que tal tributação se implemente. Este estudo enfoca o momento temporal em que se consideram ocorridos os fatos econômicos individuais que se ajuntam para compor a apuração da renda tributável. Não se trata, portanto, de uma abordagem direta acerca do aspecto temporal próprio da regra-matriz de incidência do imposto de renda, aquele que se identifica normalmente com o término do período de um ano. O tema é abordado com enfoque na tributação da renda, apresentando parâmetros para a conceituação do referido princípio e buscando delinear suas funções, bem como descrever seu âmbito de aplicação no Direito Tributário brasileiro, especialmente no que concerne à apuração do imposto de renda (sobretudo o de pessoas jurídicas). O princípio da realização é examinado sob três diferentes perspectivas. Primeiro, faz-se uma análise dos conceitos de renda (e noções correlatas de realização) fornecidos pelas ciências financeiras e econômicas. Segundo, há uma análise sob a perspectiva histórica que apresenta a evolução deste princípio na Alemanha, nos E.U.A., no Reino Unido e também no Brasil. E, por fim, sob a perspectiva estritamente jurídica, enfocando-se o sistema normativo atualmente vigente no Brasil, discutem-se a posição sistêmica do princípio da realização e as limitações impostas pela Constituição Federal de 1988 e pelo Código Tributário Nacional. Ainda nesta última perspectiva, avaliam-se as funções desempenhadas pelo princípio da realização como integrante dos princípios de contabilidade geralmente aceitos e as relações entre Direito Contábil e Direito Tributário. O princípio da realização é examinado em seus diferentes elementos (cumprimento da obrigação, mudança da posição patrimonial, troca no mercado, mensurabilidade, liquidez e certeza). Por fim, propõe-se uma estrutura para classificação dos diferentes critérios que informam o princípio da realização à luz da legislação brasileira. / In the context of the Brazilian tax system, a correct calculation of taxable income demands respect for the principles sheltered, expressly or implicitly, by the Federal Constitution and, among these, it is worth mentioning the realization principle. In a simplified description, said principle helps in the detection of the economic capacity that is able to suffer taxation, since it outlines more specific guidelines for identifying the right time where taxation may be implemented. This study focuses on the timing of the economic facts that are gathered up to comprise the basis for calculation of the taxable income. It is not, therefore, a direct approach on the temporal aspect of the basic rule of incidence of income tax (aspect which is usually identified with the end of the taxable period of one year). The issue is discussed with focus on taxation of income, showing parameters for the conceptualization of realization principle and seeking to outline its functions, as well as to describe its scope within the Brazilian Tax Law, especially on what concerns the calculation of the income tax (especially the corporate income tax). The realization principle is examined from three different perspectives. First, the study presents an analysis of the concepts of income (and related notions of realization) provided by the financial and economic sciences. Second, there is an analysis on the historical perspective that presents the evolution of this principle in Germany, the USA, the UK and also in Brazil. Finally, under a strictly legal perspective, focusing on the regulatory system currently in force in Brazil, it discusses the systemic position of the realization principle and the limitations imposed by the Federal Constitution of 1988 and the National Tax Code. With respect to the latter perspective, the study examines the functions performed by the realization principle as part of the generally accepted accounting principles and the relations between Accounting and Tax Law. The realization principle is examined in its different elements (achievement of the obligation, change in the property position, market exchange, measurability, liquidity and certainty). Finally, it proposes a structure for the classification of the different criteria that inform the realization principle in accordance with the Brazilian legislation in force.

The thesis examined the current system of the taxation of wealth in South Africa with an emphasis on the taxes that apply upon the death of the taxpayer. The focus of the research was on the problems associated with estate duty, namely the issue of double taxation; the alleged cumbersome administration of the tax and the limited revenue that it brings in; it’s questionable efficacy due to extensive estate planning on the part of taxpayers while they are still alive and its lack of uniformity with other wealth taxes. An interpretative research approach was followed which involved analysing documentary data. The conclusions that were reached were that estate duty as a wealth tax in South Africa has been rendered ineffective due to the inherent problems associated with its application, namely the fact that double taxation exists, not only in the context of capital gains tax, but also in that taxpayers resent being taxed upon death after having paid income tax during their lives. The perceived unfairness that is associated with estate duty has caused the creation of a secondary industry of estate planning, with the aim of minimising estate duty, which industry has resulted in the ineffectiveness of estate duty and its limited revenue. No evidence could be found regarding the Treasury’s assertion that estate duty is a cumbersome tax to administer. The final conclusion reached was that the current estate duty regime needs to be overhauled preferably by extending the current system of capital gains tax and abolishing estate duty, with due consideration being given to the consequences associated therewith.

No contexto do sistema tributário nacional brasileiro, uma apuração correta da renda tributável demanda o respeito a princípios abrigados pela Constituição Federal expressa ou implicitamente e, dentre estes, vale citar o princípio da realização da renda que, numa descrição simplificada, auxilia na detecção da capacidade econômica apta a sofrer tributação, uma vez que delineia diretrizes mais concretas para a identificação do momento adequado para que tal tributação se implemente. Este estudo enfoca o momento temporal em que se consideram ocorridos os fatos econômicos individuais que se ajuntam para compor a apuração da renda tributável. Não se trata, portanto, de uma abordagem direta acerca do aspecto temporal próprio da regra-matriz de incidência do imposto de renda, aquele que se identifica normalmente com o término do período de um ano. O tema é abordado com enfoque na tributação da renda, apresentando parâmetros para a conceituação do referido princípio e buscando delinear suas funções, bem como descrever seu âmbito de aplicação no Direito Tributário brasileiro, especialmente no que concerne à apuração do imposto de renda (sobretudo o de pessoas jurídicas). O princípio da realização é examinado sob três diferentes perspectivas. Primeiro, faz-se uma análise dos conceitos de renda (e noções correlatas de realização) fornecidos pelas ciências financeiras e econômicas. Segundo, há uma análise sob a perspectiva histórica que apresenta a evolução deste princípio na Alemanha, nos E.U.A., no Reino Unido e também no Brasil. E, por fim, sob a perspectiva estritamente jurídica, enfocando-se o sistema normativo atualmente vigente no Brasil, discutem-se a posição sistêmica do princípio da realização e as limitações impostas pela Constituição Federal de 1988 e pelo Código Tributário Nacional. Ainda nesta última perspectiva, avaliam-se as funções desempenhadas pelo princípio da realização como integrante dos princípios de contabilidade geralmente aceitos e as relações entre Direito Contábil e Direito Tributário. O princípio da realização é examinado em seus diferentes elementos (cumprimento da obrigação, mudança da posição patrimonial, troca no mercado, mensurabilidade, liquidez e certeza). Por fim, propõe-se uma estrutura para classificação dos diferentes critérios que informam o princípio da realização à luz da legislação brasileira. / In the context of the Brazilian tax system, a correct calculation of taxable income demands respect for the principles sheltered, expressly or implicitly, by the Federal Constitution and, among these, it is worth mentioning the realization principle. In a simplified description, said principle helps in the detection of the economic capacity that is able to suffer taxation, since it outlines more specific guidelines for identifying the right time where taxation may be implemented. This study focuses on the timing of the economic facts that are gathered up to comprise the basis for calculation of the taxable income. It is not, therefore, a direct approach on the temporal aspect of the basic rule of incidence of income tax (aspect which is usually identified with the end of the taxable period of one year). The issue is discussed with focus on taxation of income, showing parameters for the conceptualization of realization principle and seeking to outline its functions, as well as to describe its scope within the Brazilian Tax Law, especially on what concerns the calculation of the income tax (especially the corporate income tax). The realization principle is examined from three different perspectives. First, the study presents an analysis of the concepts of income (and related notions of realization) provided by the financial and economic sciences. Second, there is an analysis on the historical perspective that presents the evolution of this principle in Germany, the USA, the UK and also in Brazil. Finally, under a strictly legal perspective, focusing on the regulatory system currently in force in Brazil, it discusses the systemic position of the realization principle and the limitations imposed by the Federal Constitution of 1988 and the National Tax Code. With respect to the latter perspective, the study examines the functions performed by the realization principle as part of the generally accepted accounting principles and the relations between Accounting and Tax Law. The realization principle is examined in its different elements (achievement of the obligation, change in the property position, market exchange, measurability, liquidity and certainty). Finally, it proposes a structure for the classification of the different criteria that inform the realization principle in accordance with the Brazilian legislation in force.

Le contentieux fiscal est partagé entre les juridictions administratives et les juridictions judiciaires. Si le premier est souvent présenté comme le juge naturel de l'impôt, la compétence du second peine à être justifiée. À cela s'ajoute la question de savoir si le juge judiciaire, juge du droit privé ayant une culture de droit privé, est vraiment apte à statuer en droit fiscal, relevant fondamentalement du droit public. D'ailleurs, il apparaît assez vite que le juge fiscal judiciaire présente un particularisme fondé sur sa relation au droit privé. Le juge fiscal judiciaire met au centre de sa jurisprudence le droit privé et la conception du droit qui en découle. À l'inverse, ce lien avec le droit privé tend aussi à se relativiser au contact du droit fiscal, ce qui permet d'affirmer qu'il est un véritable juge fiscal. En approfondissant la structure normative du droit fiscal, il devient alors possible de remarquer que la structure complexe de cette branche du droit est un facteur de justification de la compétence fiscale judiciaire. Ce lien avec le droit privé et son application du droit privé dans le champ du contentieux fiscal sont deux éléments qui permettent alors de légitimer sa compétence et de conforter sa position de juridiction fiscale. / In the French court system, tax litigation is shared between the administrative law courts and private law courts. If the former are often presented as the natural judge of the tax, it is more difficult to justify the jurisdiction of the latter. The object of this present work only concerns private law courts. That is why, it is worth asking whether the private law judge, with a culture of private law, is really able to decide on tax law, basically governed by public law. Moreover, this tax law judge has a particularism due to his relationship to private law and puts private law at the center of his case law. By contrast, this link with private law also tends to become relative with regard to tax law, which allows us to assert that he stands as a true fiscal court. By Deepening the normative structure of tax law, it becomes possible to observe that the complex structure of this branch of the law is a definite factor in the justification of his jurisdiction in tax disputes. This link with private law and his implementation of private law in the field of tax litigation are two elements that are then used to legitimize his authority and strenghten his position as a tax justice.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce (specialising in Taxation) Johannesburg, 2016 / The Davis Tax Committee released their First Interim Report on Estate Duty on 13 July 2015 which contained certain recommendations concerning the way trusts should be taxed which were to act as a deterrent against aggressive estate planning. This report also contained suggested changes to current estate duty legislation. Changes to these recommendations, yet to be published in a second report, were discussed in a webinar by Judge Dennis Davis in December 2015 and the 2016 Budget Review contained additional suggestions with regard to the taxation of trusts. This study constructs case studies to compare the effect of the various recommendations on total taxation and capital preservation in a scenario where assets are held in a South African trust over a period of time, with a scenario where such assets are kept in a South African tax resident’s personal estate. The case studies focus only on high-net-worth trusts and personal estates. The possible double taxation which may occur as a result of levying both estate duty and capital gains tax on death is also briefly considered. The case study results show the punitive effects of the proposed repeal of the s 4(q) estate duty deduction for inter-spousal bequests on the personal estate scenarios and show how several of the new proposals could result in effective capital tax rates in excess of the deemed maximum capital tax benchmark of 15%. This may result in more aggressive estate planning strategies being employed should such proposals be enacted. The report also concludes that the double taxation effect of both estate duty and capital gains tax levied on death is likely to be small on average, although individual high-net-worth estates may be subject to such double taxation in certain cases. Key words: Davis Tax Committee’s First Interim Report on Estate Duty, taxation of South African trusts, South African trusts, South African estate duty, estate planning, double taxation on death, estimate for total capital gains tax collected on death, high-net-worth individuals, inequality in South Africa, wealth tax in South Africa, total taxation in South African trusts, income-splitting in South African trusts, capital preservation in South African trusts, South African trust case study, South African estate duty case study, South African estate planning case study / MT2017

The purpose of this thesis is to provide meaningful understanding of the current state of business activities, which generates the need for implementing new taxing measures, analyse the challenges arising from this need, as well as their cause. Furthermore, the aforementioned challenges will be explained in the context of existing traditional taxing systems and proposed measures will be analysed. After reading this thesis, the goal is for the reader to be able to understand current trends and to gain an idea of how states might try to harmonize their taxing systems in order to meet the requirements set out by the rapid digitalization of companies.