Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Debate To Change Regarding Corporate Taxes

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: April 23, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

This November, a number of politicians at the head of key congressional committees are set to step down, and that could lead to changes in the debate regarding corporate tax reform, according to The Wall Street Journal. There is almost $2 trillion in offshore profits held by U.S. multinationals, approximately $650 billion of which is in cash, per International Strategy & Investment research. The cumulative foreign profits of these companies rose 12 percent in 2013 and have grown at a compound annual rate of 20 percent since 2005.

These companies, which include the likes of Apple, Caterpillar, Cisco and many others, argue that the lower rates that they can see overseas effectively trap their earnings there, according to the news source. They say that the U.S. should follow other industrialized countries and adopt a territorial tax system, which would allow them to pay little to no tax on the foreign profits above what they have already paid in tax-havens abroad. This would encourage them to bring their profits home, they argue. Currently, the U.S. requires companies to pay the difference between foreign taxes and the U.S. corporate tax rate of 35 percent when they repatriate their money, even on goods sold internationally.

Is the higher corporate tax rate in the U.S. hurting the economy? It is difficult to tell, according to 24/7 Wall Street. Conventional wisdom says that the corporate tax rate is paid for by shareholders, though there is some research that suggests that some of it is paid for by workers and consumers as well, in the form of lower wages and higher priced goods. However, neither of these arguments is airtight – in competitive economies, management often has little control over pricing and wages if it wishes to remain profitable.

This coming November, Rep. Dave Camp, the Michigan Republican who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, will not be running again, according to the Journal. In his place is expected to be Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, or Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas. Sen. Levin, chairman of the Senate subcommittee that called Caterpillar, Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Microsoft Corp. to hearings over their tax practices is also retiring. Where the debate will go next depends on the voters.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
The Due Diligence Process for NY Condominiums and Cooperatives post image

The Due Diligence Process for NY Condominiums and Cooperatives

While the New York City real estate market can be extremely competitive, moving too quickly often backfires. Before purchasing a condominium or cooperative in New York City, it is important to do you homework. Purchasing property in NYC can involve a dizzying number of legal issues. These include condo and co-op rules, rent restrictions, and […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "The Due Diligence Process for NY Condominiums and Cooperatives"
Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain post image

Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain

Smart contracts feature a unique blend of legal agreement and technical code. This innovation has the potential to reshape how business is conducted. At the same time, smart contract legal issues around enforceability, jurisdiction, identity, and compliance are common. The legal framework for these self-executing agreements is still evolving. What Are Smart Contracts? Smart contracts, […]

Author: Bryce S. Robins

Link to post with title - "Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain"
Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent? post image

Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?

Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]

Author: Angela A. Turiano

Link to post with title - "Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?"
Why Secured Transactions Are Important post image

Why Secured Transactions Are Important

Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Why Secured Transactions Are Important"
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications post image

Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications

Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications"
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors post image

Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!