Financial Transaction Tax in Europe

Over the last two decades, the European Union (EU) and various European States have proposed or created several taxes aimed at increasing the overall tax burden to which the financial sector is currently subject. The interest in new taxable events and the need to regulate financial markets' functioning are two powerful reasons that support the application of this type of tax. This article details both the European Commission's Proposals for Directives on Financial Transaction Tax, and the related taxes currently in force in Europe. Evidence shows that the goal of harmonized taxation in this area is far from being achieved and that national decisions are based on two different models: a tax on the registration of certain transactions and a tax on financial transactions levied on the financial intermediaries involved in such transactions. This article focuses on the comparative experience of European States in the adoption of this type of tax. This review will highlight the differences and similarities between different national taxes, and ultimately the possibilities of the EU's Financial Transaction Tax Proposal becoming effective.