Miscommunication and Distrust in the International Tax Debate

The global economic and financial crisis has eroded the underpinnings of the international tax system. Should tax authorities, ministries of Finance, multinational companies and tax advisors communicate differently to sway public opinion for the better? Should politicians institutionalize trust? This inaugural lecture explores these and similar questions. After the global economic and financial crisis erupted in 2008, governments were forced into austerity measures. Job losses, increased tax bills and enormous State support for financial institutions whirled an ever-increasing spiral of pessimism, spanning across the globe. Aside from the many changes to the domestic and international tax rules, the world is left with damaged public opinion towards the actors that make up the international tax system. The system # consisting of actors such as tax authorities, ministries of Finance, multinational companies and tax advisors # is met with public distrust and frustration. Miscommunication and Distrust in the International Tax Debate explores these pressing issues within the scope of the international tax debate. In addition to providing an analysis of the present situation, this inaugural lecture seeks to illuminate a fruitful way forward. The reader gains a deeper understanding of the key questions within the international tax debate. Should the actors and stakeholders within communicate differently? Should there be more transparency by everyone involved in the debate? And are politicians wise to institutionalize trust through legislative change? The author#s purpose is threefold. Firstly, he aims to systemize and analyze the interaction in the international tax debate. Secondly, this contribution applies insights from communication science in order to understand and explain this development. Thirdly, he presents a way forward for the international tax debate, leading to more trust and effective communication.