As you know the EU Commission is holding a public consultation on the FTT via Internet.
The consultation consists mainly of a questionnaire to be filled in.
It is meant as an input for an official report on the FTT and the FAT (Financial Activities Tax) by the Commission, which will be released in summer.
Whereas the European Parliament and some member states such as Austria, Germany, France and others are in favor of the FTT to be introduced in Europe, the Commissioner for taxation, Semeta, is against a European FTT.
It is therefore necessary, that there is not only the voice of the finance industry in this consultation. As many European civil society organisations, networks and individuals as possible should express their support for the FTT.
Jean Saldanha, CIDSE, Brussels
Peter Wahl, WEED, Berlin
Guide to the EU-Consultation on the FTT:
1. Deadline 2. Questionnaire The consultation is made through a detailed questionnaire (see attachment or homepage of the Commission). 3. Special Homepage of the EU for the consultation http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/consultations/tax/2011_02_financial_s ector_taxation_en.htm There you find all information in detail. 4. Who can participate: a. individuals b.organisations 5. Two categories for organisations As for organisations there are two categories for the submission a. registered organisations b. non-registered organisations “Registered” means that an organisation undergoes a procedure of registration at the homepage of the Commission. It includes the disclosure of data on your organisation incl. finance. The registration requires approx. one hour to fill in all questions. You must decide, whether this is worthwhile for you, if you are not yet registered. Non-registered organisations have to give few basic information (see template of the questionnaire). 6. Consequences of the different categories The answers/statements of all categories will be published, but separately. Organisations which do not fill in the template will be treated as if they were individuals. 7. Questionnaire The questionnaire has three chapters: a. on th FTT b. on the FAT c. on the Bank levy There are a lot of questions with technical details. You are free to answer all questions or to select according to your individual views. You also can make additional comments or send in additional evidence. 8. Example for filled in questionnaire Attached you find an example, how the questionnaire could be filled in. The proposed answers are in blue. You can use this, but you should change language wherever you feel that you can do it. The example only deals with the questions on the FTT whereas the FAT and the Bank Levy are only addressed in a general way. 9. What to do with the filled in questionnaire Send the filled in questionnaire either electronically to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to the following postal address: European Commission Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union Rue de Spa 3, Office 06/31 B-1049 Brussels Fax: +32-2-296.97.07 10. receive a short message that you have participated to the following mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.