Article
Taxing Human Rights? New ActionAid report says responsible tax practices don’t just make moral sense – they make business sense too
ActionAid is launching a practical tax guide for investors seeking a more socially responsible approach to corporate tax…Taxes provide the most sustainable source of revenue to governments to help them fulfil their primary duty of ensuring the progressive realisation of a range of human rights of citizens…Yet the reality is that pervasive corporate tax avoidance…denies developing countries’ over US$160bn in tax revenue every year…So, why does this matter for investors? The responsibility to respect extends to investors, who should be doing their own due diligence…to ensure that the companies in which they invest are not engaged in practices that are…adversely affecting human rights.The business case for responsible tax planning is becoming increasingly compelling. Firstly, on a purely practical level, businesses depend upon the infrastructure paid for by taxes…Secondly, irresponsible tax practices can increasingly generate serious reputational damage...Additionally, tax policy and planning pose significant regulatory risks….Finally, there are risks to the bottom line.