Tax aggressiveness of government-controlled corporations in Brazil

Abstract

This article examines whether government control of companies is a factor influencing tax aggressiveness, through a comparative analysis of these firms versus privately controlled companies listed on the BM&FBovespa. The analysis covers the period from 2009 through 2013 and aggressiveness is measured by three metrics: effective tax rate (ETR), book-tax difference (BTD) and tax burden disclosed in the statement of value added, which we call the tax rate on added value (TRAV). The results of the regressions confirm the main hypothesis regarding taxation of profit and also of gross revenue, because government-controlled corporations had significantly higher ETR and TRAV, indicating less tax aggressiveness. Although the result for BTD was not conclusive to indicate the aggressiveness profile, based on the other two variables, it can be stated that shareholding control by the government is a factor determining lower tax aggressiveness in Brazil. Tax aggressiveness; Political risk; Government-controlled corporations

Keywords

• agressividade fiscal
• risco político
• sociedades de economia mista