§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the current rate of tax on personal incomes in each country of the European Union, and whether they will indicate in respect of each threshold of income (expressed in pounds sterling and euros) at which this rate applies. [HL3797]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe information requested for 1998, the most recent year for which comparative data is currently available, is as follows:
159WA
The information requested for 1998, the most recent year for which comparative data is currently available Top Income Tax Rate Top Income Tax Threshold (£'s)1 Top Income Tax Threshold (Euros)1 Austria 50% 31,110 50,880 Belgium 55%2 36,690 59,990 Denmark 15%3 20,610 33,690 Finland 38%4 31,480 51,470 France 54% 27,360 44,760 Germany 53% 37,750 61,380 Greece 45% 15,280 25,070 Ireland 46% 7,770 12,700 Italy 45.5% 43,200 70,200 Luxembourg 46% 40,020 65,440 Netherlands 60% 28,800 47,090 Portugal 40% 19,150 31,340 Spain 47.6% 38,670 63,160 Sweden 25%5 15,410 25,200 UK 40% 27,100 44,310 1 Using currency exchange rates as at 3 August 2000 2 Belgium: Government levies a crisis surcharge of 3%, plus municipalities levy a local income tax by way of a surcharge on national tax. Average rate around 7%.
3 Denmark: In addition, municipal income tax is levied at flat rates ranging from 27% to 35%. Average 32.4%. There is a proviso that maximum combined rate of municipal and national tax (but excluding church tax) cannot exceed 58%.
4 Finland: In addition, municipal income tax is levied at flat rates ranging from 15% to 19.75%. Average rate is 17.55%.
5 Sweden: In addition, local income tax is levied. Rates determined by municipality. Average rate is 30.76%.
Source:
OECD publication Taxing Wages: Taxes and Wages and Salaries, Social Security Contributions for Employees and their Employers, Child Benefits.