Irish Taxation Commission

Again, would be worth think about how the recent behavioural literature has an impact on the reform of taxation in Ireland.

http://www.taxcommission.ie/TermsofReference.html

“Having regard to the commitments on economic competitiveness and on taxation contained in the Programme for Government, in particular, the commitments to keep the overall tax burden low and implement further changes to enhance the rewards of work while increasing the fairness of the tax system, to ensure that our regulatory framework remains flexible, proportionate and up to date, to introduce measures to further lower carbon emissions and to phase in on a revenue neutral basis appropriate fiscal measures including a carbon levy over the lifetime of the Government, and the guarantee that the 12.5% rate of corporation tax will remain, the Commission is invited, in the context of maintaining an equitable incidence of taxation and a strong economy, to consider the structure of the taxation system and specifically to consider how best the tax system can support economic activity and promote increased employment and prosperity while providing the resources necessary to meet the cost of public services and other Government outlays in the medium and longer term; consider how best the tax system can encourage long term savings to meet the needs of retirement; examine the balance achieved between taxes collected on income, capital and spending; review all tax expenditures with a view to assessing the economic and social benefits they deliver and to recommend the discontinuation of those that are unjustifiable on cost/benefit grounds; consider options for the future financing of local government, and Investigate fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment including the introduction of a carbon tax. As the introduction of a carbon tax requires a completely new tax charge and structure, the Commission is asked to commence work in this area immediately. The Commission is requested to report on the results of its examination and consideration and to make such recommendations as, and when, it thinks fit to the Minister for Finance but not later than 30 September 2009”.