Capital Gains

Capital gains taxes pose a host of technical and political design problems and yet, while the literature on the theory of capital gains taxation is substantial, little has been published on how governments have addressed these dilemmas. Written by a team of distinguished international experts, Capital Gains Taxation addresses the gap in the literature; it explains how a number of countries tax capital gains and the successes and pitfalls of these methods.

A complete, authoritative guide to taxation of stocks, mutual funds and market-traded stock options.

This report investigates policy considerations in the taxation of capital gains of individuals and design features of capital gains tax systems.

Increasing globalization and the related cross-border flows of capital resources has only increased interest in the taxation of transnational capital gains among practitioners and scholars. This is particularly true as it relates to investments in immovable property. As a consequence, Article 13 of the OECD Model Convention - covering capital gains - has emerged as one of the document's key provisions. Based on in-depth historical research, this book pays particular attention to the definition of capital gains falling within the scope of Article 13. It also thoroughly analyses the treaty regime applicable to gains derived from the alienation of both immovable property and shares of immovable property companies.

Few issues in tax policy are as divisive as the capital gains tax. Should capital gains--the increase in value of assets such as stocks or businesses--be taxed at all? If so, when should they be taxed--when they are earned, or when they are realized? Should taxes be adjusted for inflation? And should gains be taxed at both the individual and corporate levels? In this book, Leonard Burman cuts through the political rhetoric to present the facts about capital gains. He begins by explaining the complex rules that govern the taxation of capital gains, examines the kinds of assets that produce them, and the factors that can lead to gains or losses. He then reviews the effects of capital gains taxation on saving and investment and considers the arguments for and against indexing capital gains taxes for inflation, as well as other options for altering the current system.

This work is designed to meet the needs of attorneys, accountants, tax consultants, investment advisers, and other professionals. The manual explains, in depth and in detail, the conceptual basis and the practical implications of capital gains tax.