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The Relationship Between Taxation And Technological Developments During The Industrial Revolution

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Introduction
“Profits should be taxed where economic activities deriving the profits are performed and where value is created”1. The relationship between taxation and technological developments have always been dynamic and complex. The internet represents the greatest technological revolution since the industrial revolution. Data show that there is approximately $xxx billion trade occurring through e-commerce, with xxx billion internet users and xx billion domain names as of 20142 and this number keeps changing every second. This paper takes a look at the current tax issues relating to e-commerce and profit shifting and also the new OECD framework aimed at addressing these challenges.
Tax Issues
Governments and tax authorities face the same problems whilst trying to tax digital or online businesses: “what is the appropriate nexus that permits the application of tax jurisdiction over cross-border sales?”
Concerns have been expressed that e-commerce could result in base erosion and profit shifting [BEPS]. Consumption taxes are levied on the principle of taxation at the place of consumption and according to rates set in individual country or state. E-commerce, however, has the potential to undermine the application of domestic and national tax rules. Tax planning for an e-business differs from tax planning for a traditional bricks and mortar company. In the past, generation of income depended on the physical presence of assets and activities. This physical presence, permanent

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