The deal at the G7 paves the way for broader multilateral talks at the OECD and a pathway to the removal of national digital services taxes.
On 5 June G7 Finance Minister’s agreed on agreed the principles of a two Pillar global solution to update the global tax system so that it is fit for the modern era.
Under the first pillar, the largest and most profitable multinationals will be required to pay tax in the countries where they have operations. These rules would apply to global firms with at least a 10% profit margin – and would see 20% of any profit above the 10% margin reallocated and then tax paid on these in the countries where the business operates.
The UK Government has said “this fairer system will mean the UK will raise more tax revenue from large multinationals and help pay for public services here in the UK”.
Agreement on Pillar One also saw a commitment from G7 countries coordinate on the removal of national digital services taxes when a new global regime comes is applied.
Under the second Pillar the G7 Finance Ministers also agree on the principle of a 15% global minimum corporation tax.
techUK has long advocated for a global solution to the taxation of multinational. This is a significantly more effective way to tax companies in the modern economy versus national digital services taxes which have resulted in serious trade disputes and penalise companies for achieving growth using business based on the use of digital services.
The full Communiqué from G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors issued on 5 June can be found here, while a press release form the UK Govermment can be found here.
techUK has welcomed the announcement of the deal at the G7. While further negotiations will be needed at the OECD and in other multilateral forums to turn this into a truly global agreement, this is a significant step.
techUK will also continue to work closely with the UK Government and the OECD on the details of any proposal, getting the detail right will be hugely significant to ensuring an effective and fair regime.
A previous call to action by techUK and other tech sector trade associations for a global agreement can be found here.
Responding to the announcement by the G7 Finance Ministers, techUK CEO Julian David said:
“This is a welcome announcement from the G7 and while further negotiations will be needed to achieve a global agreement this is a truly significant step in the right direction.
techUK and our members have long called for a global solution to the taxation of multinational companies with this being the best way to ensure tax is distributed fairly and we avoid the trade conflicts and disputes that have resulted from national digital services taxes.
I also would like to welcome the leading role the UK Government has played in this process, and I look forward to working with the Chancellor and his G7 counterparts on the details of this proposal.”
Julian David
CEO, techUK
Julian David
CEO, techUK
Julian David is the CEO of techUK, the leading technology trade association that aims to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve through innovation and collaboration, and serves on its board of directors.
Julian led the transformation of techUK from its predecessor Intellect in 2015, putting an increased focus on the growth and jobs the technology industry offers in a global economy. He has since led its impressive expansion driving forward the tech agenda in key areas such as skills, digital ID and public sector transformation, now leading techUK’s 70-strong team and representing over 850 member companies, comprising of global and national champions and more than 500 SMEs. In 2020, techUK joined forces with TechSkills, the employer-led organisation that aims to improve the talent flow of talent into the digital workforce.
Julian represents techUK on a number of external bodies including the Digital Economy Council, the Cyber Growth Partnership and the Department of International Trade’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group. He also sits on the Executive Board of DIGITALEUROPE and is a member of the Board of the Health Innovation Network the South London Academic Health Science Network.
Julian has over thirty years of experience in the technology industry. Prior to joining techUK, he had a long career at IBM culminating as Vice President for Small and Medium Business and then Public Sector. After leaving IBM he worked as a consultant helping tech SMEs establish successful operations in the U.K. His personal interests include Football (West Ham and Real Madrid) and Art.
As Associate Director for Policy Neil leads techUK's domestic policy development in the UK. In this role he regularly engages with UK and Devolved Government Ministers, senior civil servants and members of the UK’s Parliaments with the aim of supporting government and industry to work together to make the UK the best place to start, scale and develop technology companies. Neil also acts as a spokersperson for techUK on UK policy in the media and at Parliamentary Committees.
Neil joined techUK in 2019 to lead on techUK’s input and engagement with Government on the UK-EU Brexit trade deal negotiations, as well as leading on economic policy. He has a background in the UK Parliament and in social research and holds a masters degree in Comparative Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh and an undergraduate degree in International Politics from City, University of London.
Margherita is Communications Manager at techuk, working across all communications and marketing activities and acting as point of contact for media enquiries.
Prior to joining techUK, Margherita worked in public relations across technology, public affairs, and charity, designing evidence-based strategic campaigns and building meaningful ties with key stakeholders.
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Mobilise - Transforming Transport Through Tech | 29 March | Free for techUK members
Mobilise is techUK’s flagship future of transport and mobility conference. This year, it will bring together public and private sector leaders to discuss how we can deliver long-term multi-stakeholder projects that harness the power of technology within transport.
This conference is for public sector leaders in transport and infrastructure using technology to improve services, including infrastructure managers, local authorities and government departments. The event is also especially relevant to technology suppliers with products, services and solutions in transport, as well as mobility operators and logistics companies.