The Compatibility of Exit Tax Legislation Applicable to Corporate Taxpayers in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and The United Kingdom with the EU Freedom of Establishment - Part 3

Abstract

This three-part article discusses the compatibility of exit tax legislation applicable to corporate taxpayers in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom with the EU freedom of establishment, especially in the light of the ECJ’s landmark National Grid decision. In part 1, which was published in Intertax volume 44, issue 1, the authors scrutinized whether a company transferring its tax residence or effecting an outbound cross-border conversion has access to Articles 49 and 54 TFEU under the laws of the Member State. It also addressed whether these laws restrict Article 49, and, if so, whether the restriction can be justified and is appropriate to ensure the attainment of its objective. Part 2, which was published in the previous Intertax issue, provided a general overview of the proportionality test in connection with exit tax legislation under Articles 49 and 54 TFEU, and subsequently discussed whether the exit tax legislation in France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands is proportional. Finally, this part 3 reviews whether the exit tax legislation in Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom is proportional, addresses which other transactions the ECJ’s exit tax principles apply to, and provides conclusions and recommendations.