Dutch 'disappointed' with OECD-backed EU order to cut port tax breaks
Time：2016-01-26
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A generous Dutch corporate tax climate helps dozens of the world`s largest business lower tax rates to a single digit. It has also been criticised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD).
The Dutch government called on the European Commission to ensure fair competition, said the order puts the Netherlands at a disadvantage, Reuters reports.
Dutch authorities were told to end tax exemptions for the ports and also ordered Belgium and France to align their port taxation systems with the bloc`s state aid rules.
"The Commission`s decisions today regarding the Netherlands, Belgium and France make clear that if port operators generate profits from economic activities these should be taxed," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said.
The port companies to be taxed from January 2017, are Groningen Seaports NV, Havenbedrijf Amsterdam NV, Havenbedrijf Rotterdam NV, Havenschap Moerdijk, NV Port of Den Helder and Zeeland Seaports.
The Dutch case came about after the government passed a law in June that subjected public entities to corporate tax starting from January 2016 with the exception of the ports.