§ Mr. John Marshallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to how the top rate of tax in the United Kingdom compares with that in the other European Community countries, Japan and the United States of America.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe information requested is given in the table, which is supplemented by notes.
EC countries Top rate of income tax Per cent. Belgium 72 Denmark 40 France 58 Germany 56 Greece 63 Ireland 58 Italy 62 Luxembourg 56 Netherlands 72 Portugal 60 Spain 66 United Kingdom 60 Others Japan 60 United States of America 38.5 Notes:
- 1. The rates shown are the latest enacted. For Belgium, France, Greece and Italy they relate to the income tax year 1986; for Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Japan and the United States of America to the income tax year 1987; and for the United Kingdom and Ireland to the income tax year 1987–88.
- 2. In Japan the top rate for employment income is 57 per cent. only.
- 3. The rates given in the table are central Government income tax rates. Local income taxes are levied on income of all types in Belgium, Denmark, Japan and the United States of America. Inclusion of local income taxes would increase the top rate significantly in Denmark, to 68 per cent., and in Japan, to 76 per cent, (employment income 72 per cent.), taking the maximum local income taxes rate in Denmark, and the usual rates in Japan.
- 4. In Portugal top rates vary with the type of income, and the taxpayer's marital status. The rate given is for a married man who has earned income only.