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Tax-induced distortions of effort and compensation in a principal-agent setting

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  • Martini, Jan Thomas
  • Niemann, Rainer
  • Simons, Dirk

Abstract

Common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) and tax allocation via formula apportionment (FA) are hotly debated in the European Union (EU). The objective of this paper is to analyze the tax-induced distortions of managerial incentives and remuneration packages caused by FA. We set up a LEN-type principal-agent model with agents in two different jurisdictions. There are no transactions between the two jurisdictions, thus all findings are driven by FA. If payroll enters the FA formula, the principal demands increased effort and pays an increased compensation to managers in low-tax jurisdictions compared to the benchmark case. Managers in high-tax jurisdictions face the opposite effect. Furthermore, the composition of the remuneration changes, which distorts incentives in addition to the excessive pay. Lastly, net profit increases because FA offers new potential for profit shifting.

Suggested Citation

  • Martini, Jan Thomas & Niemann, Rainer & Simons, Dirk, 2016. "Tax-induced distortions of effort and compensation in a principal-agent setting," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 26-39.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jiaata:v:27:y:2016:i:c:p:26-39
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intaccaudtax.2016.07.002
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    Cited by:

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    3. Thomas Bauer & Thomas Kourouxous & Peter Krenn, 2018. "Taxation and agency conflicts between firm owners and managers: a review," Business Research, Springer;German Academic Association for Business Research, vol. 11(1), pages 33-76, February.
    4. Rainer Niemann & Ulrich Schreiber, 2020. "Herausforderungen und Entwicklungsperspektiven des Steuersystems [Challenges and Development Perspectives of the Tax System]," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 72(1), pages 1-48, March.
    5. Rainer Niemann & Mariana Sailer, 2023. "Is analytical tax research alive and kicking? Insights from 2000 until 2022," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 93(6), pages 1149-1212, August.
    6. D.A. Artemenko & L.A.Aguzarova & F.S.Aguzarova & E.V. Porollo, 2017. "Causes of Tax Risks and Ways to Reduce Them," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3B), pages 453-459.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Common consolidated corporate tax base; Formula apportionment; Managerial compensation; Multi-jurisdictional entities; Principal-agent-problem;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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