Our Projects
Tax Hell Index 2023
Our inaugural paper “Tax Hell” has been created to benchmark those jurisdictions that combine high tax regimes with ongoing government mismanagement. Our goal is to create an annual index and highlight jurisdictional frameworks year after year.
The Tax Hell Index is an in-depth look at both the qualitative and quantitative data that is released annually by both the IMF and The World Bank.
By drawing out critical insights from this data
The 1841 Foundation was able to create a comprehensive index and critically examine 82 countries against a stringent framework.
The data examined included much more than tax data, but also examined governments and their ability to function efficiently and effectively for their citizens.
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Previous editions of the Tax Hell Index
Another initiatives
BVI: Response to a government consultation on access to information on UBOs
The 1841 Foundation has responded to the BVI Government’s consultation on the balance between transparency and privacy in the Register of Beneficial Owners. The response highlights risks of public access, such as security threats and privacy violations, particularly in politically unstable regions. It defends the effectiveness of the current system in combating financial crime while protecting individual rights. The 1841 Foundation advocates for a balanced approach, drawing on international examples like the US Corporate Transparency Act and EU policies, urging careful decision-making to protect privacy and maintain the jurisdiction’s global competitiveness.
Argentina: A tax plan for Milei
The 1841 Foundation delves into Argentina's tax reform with this compelling analysis, which unravels the dramatic rejection of the "Ley Bases" and argues passionately for a much-needed overhaul of the country's tax regime. Drawing parallels with successful Swiss models, it champions tax competition among regions as a catalyst for economic growth. By advocating for a streamlined system with only four key taxes, the document proposes a dynamic approach rooted in the renowned Laffer Curve. Its insights into fiscal policy and the quest for a balanced budget offer a roadmap to Argentina's financial resurgence.
BVI: Report on PARBOs
The 1841 Foundation prepared a report for the BVI Government regarding the delicate balance between transparency and privacy in Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) registries. It highlights risks associated with unrestricted public access, such as cyber threats, privacy violations, and personal safety concerns, especially in politically unstable regions. The letter delves into the European Union's varying approaches to UBO transparency and examines the resistance of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to establish a public UBO registry. It argues for a balanced approach, citing examples like the US Corporate Transparency Act and EU developments, emphasizing the need for cautious decision-making to protect privacy and the jurisdiction's international standing. The report encourages collaboration and discussion, recognizing the evolving international standards in this complex landscape.
Argentina: Letter to the OECD
The 1841 Foundation has expressed its concerns to OECD about Argentina's violation of privacy rights by leaking private financial and tax information to the press. While recognizing the need for governments to access taxpayer information, it is understood the importance of balancing privacy rights and government interests. In this letter it is suggested to the OECD that rewards should be given to countries that prioritize the rule of law and privacy protection. Argentina's unauthorized disclosures, lack of integrity, and weakening of the rule of law are worrying. It was recommended to suspend Argentina from receiving information under CRS until assurances are given regarding data safety. The 1841 Foundation also requested a private meeting with the OECD to discuss improvements to CRS based on the highlighted issues.
Honduras: Considerations on the Tax Reform
The 1841 Foundation has conducted an analysis on the proposed tax legislation in Honduras known as the "Bill on Tax Justice", which suggests transitioning from a Territorial Tax System to a Global Tax System. The analysis goes through the potential implications of this change, including exemptions for foreign income, simplification of tax compliance, promotion of foreign investment, impact on competitiveness, and potential effects on different socio-economic groups. The findings highlight important considerations for the authorities to evaluate before implementing the proposed reform. Read the letter to learn more about this subject.
Argentina: Letter to the U.S. Treasury
The 1841 Foundation has sent a letter to the United States Secretary of the Treasury to express concerns that the United States might be sharing the private financials of individuals with bank deposits in the country with the authorities in Argentina.
Argentina is a country that has consistently violated the privacy rights of many of its citizens, by consistently leaking to the press private financial and tax information.
The balance between privacy and transparency is an important matter for The 1841 Foundation and a topic that needs to always be defended and promoted. This initiative was signed by deputies and economists of Argentina, among other notable personalities.
