January 2016
The Anti Tax Avoidance Package is part of the Commission's ambitious agenda for fairer, simpler and more effective corporate taxation in the EU.
The Package contains concrete measures to prevent aggressive tax planning, boost tax transparency and create a level playing field for all businesses in the EU.
It will help Member States take strong and coordinated action against tax avoidance and ensure that companies pay tax wherever they make their profits in the EU.
Key elements
Chapeau Communication
The Chapeau Communication outlines the political, economic and international context of the Anti Tax Avoidance Package and gives an overview of the different elements.
Anti Tax Avoidance Directive proposal
The Anti Tax Avoidance Directive proposes six legally-binding anti-abuse measures, which all Member States should apply against common forms of aggressive tax planning.
It aims to create a minimum level of protection against corporate tax avoidance throughout the EU, while ensuring a fairer and more stable environment for businesses.
More information on the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive
Revision of the Administrative Cooperation Directive
The revised Directive proposes country-by-country reporting between Member States' tax authorities on key tax-related information on multinationals operating in the EU.
These new transparency provisions will allow all Member States the information that they need to detect and prevent tax avoidance schemes.
See the infographic
Recommendation on Tax Treaties
The Recommendation advises Member States how to reinforce their tax treaties against abuse by aggressive tax planners, in an EU-law compliant way.
It covers the introduction of general anti-abuse rules in tax treaties and the revision of the definition of permanent establishment.
See the infographic.
Communication on an External Strategy for Effective Taxation
The External Strategy presents a stronger and more coherent EU approach to working with third countries on tax good governance matters.
It also sets out a process to create a common EU list of third countries for tax purposes.
See the infographic.
Study on Aggressive Tax Planning
The study looks at Member States' corporate tax rules (or lack thereof) that can facilitate aggressive tax planning and key structures used by companies to avoid taxation.
It includes factsheets with the main findings for each Member State and examples of tactics used by multinationals to lower their taxes.
Other documents
Other links