Fact Check: "18 countries besides Canada have implemented Digital Services Taxes."
What We Know
Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) are being introduced by various countries to address the perceived unfairness of non-resident digital companies operating without local corporate income taxes. These taxes are typically a percentage of turnover from digital advertising, content, and platform services, often with a sales threshold based on in-country and global income (Digital Services Taxes DST global tracker).
As of now, Canada is among the countries that have implemented DSTs, but the claim that "18 countries besides Canada" have done the same requires verification. The Tax Foundation and other sources indicate that numerous countries have either implemented or proposed DSTs, but the exact number of countries that have successfully enacted these taxes varies widely depending on the source and the date of reporting.
Analysis
The claim that "18 countries besides Canada" have implemented DSTs is not straightforward to verify. The Digital Services Taxes DST global tracker lists various countries that have enacted such taxes, but the total number can fluctuate as new policies are introduced or existing ones are repealed. For instance, while some reports suggest that countries like the UK, France, and Italy have implemented DSTs, others indicate that many countries are still in the proposal or discussion stages (Digital Taxation around the World).
Additionally, the Tax Foundation argues that DSTs should generally be removed to prevent economic distortions, suggesting that many countries may reconsider their implementation. This indicates that the landscape of DSTs is dynamic and subject to change, which complicates the assertion that a fixed number of countries have definitively implemented such taxes.
The reliability of the sources varies; while the Digital Services Taxes DST global tracker provides a comprehensive overview, it may not be fully up-to-date. Reports from reputable organizations like the Tax Foundation and Auditing Accounting offer valuable insights but also highlight the ongoing debates and changes surrounding DSTs.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that "18 countries besides Canada have implemented Digital Services Taxes" is not definitively supported by current evidence. While there are numerous countries that have enacted DSTs, the exact number is fluid and can change based on new policies and international negotiations. Further research is needed to clarify the current status of DST implementations globally.
