About

The European Tax Policy Forum (ETPF) was set up in 2005 to commission independent academic research into the impact of tax policy on business in Europe.

Objectives

ETPF believes that tax policy is sometimes made in a vacuum without independent evidence of the impact of the policy options on business. Its objectives are to commission independent academic research which will be published and made available to all to educate and inform the public understanding and to provide European governments and others making decisions on tax policy with independent data and research on the effects of tax policy.

ETPF is not a consultative or lobbying group. Its role is to fund independent research and not to advocate particular positions.

ETPF's objectives in many ways mirror those of the International Tax Policy Forum which has for many years sponsored a successful research programme in the US.

Research Programme

ETPF has initially commissioned a three year programme of research projects from well known economists from prestigious universities across Europe. The Research Director coordinating the programme is Michael Devereux of Oxford University.  Research papers will be published and the ETPF intends to hold a public conference from time to time, at which all will be welcome to discuss these. The first public conference was held in London in 2006, and the second was held on 23 April 2007, again in London.

Legal Status

ETPF has been incorporated as a UK company limited by guarantee. Each of its members has a limited liability of a £1 guarantee. ETPF has charitable status under UK law, and operates on a non- profit making basis.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of ETPF is welcome from large European-based companies, or companies with substantial European operations, who have an interest in supporting economic research on tax.  Sponsors pay an annual subscription fee to fund the research and meet the running costs of ETPF. Sponsors will also be invited to get together two or three times a year to discuss the research programme and relevant developments.

© European Tax Policy Forum