The Tax Executives’ Institute is the only global organisation to solely represent taxpayers’ views as its purpose.
A core function of TEI is to raise the views of its members with revenue agencies, multilateral organisations and lawmakers around the world.
When the Global Tax Advocacy Taskforce was formed by the TEI this year to review its processes and practices related to its multijurisdictional activities, it was bound to have an influence on tax policy and development internationally.
The taskforce’s set of nine recommendations, or charter objectives, included calls for working more closely with organisations such as the OECD and the UN, for example, on developments in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries; responding more effectively to treaty issues and ensuring that TEI’s advocacy was coordinated efficiently across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and North America.
As joint-chairs of the taskforce, Vince Alicandri, vice president, corporate tax for Hydro One, a Canadian utility company, and Janice Lucchesi, vice president of tax in North America for Akzo Nobel, the Dutch multinational paints, coatings and chemicals company, were responsible for ensuring the charter objectives were adhered to.
“Internally, we have seen more members become involved, enriching our efforts and allowing us to do more,” said Lucchesi. “Externally, 2012 has witnessed significant tax-related activities at both the OECD and UN level. TEI has filed several significant submissions with the OECD, as well as with the European Commission, which have reflected the coordinated input from both European and North American international tax related committees.”
“The taskforce has made recommendations that will ensure multijurisdictional international tax issues affecting Institute members are discussed, evaluated, and acted upon in a coordinated fashion,” added Alicandri.
