Electronic commerce and international taxation: a square peg in a round hole?

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of the electronic commerce company (e-company) from a tax strategy perspective. E-company development is examined alongside traditional models of company growth and global expansion. The e-company is potentially multinational from genesis, operating without geographical constraints or even a physical presence. When transactions are grounded in different tax jurisdictions, however, this business form conflicts with regulations designed to deal with other forms of business. The paper considers whether this conflict can be resolved by integrating tax strategy more fully into e-company business operations to ensure conformity with existing tax regulations, or whether the new form needs new regulations.