Melbourne Law School - Theses
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ItemReforms of the International Tax System in Kuwait to Deliver a More Sustainable Revenue Base( 2023-08)Blessed with vast oil reserves, Kuwait has historically relied on oil production as its primary source of government revenue. However, the inevitable fluctuation of oil prices and eventual depletion of resources necessitates the exploration of alternative revenue sources. Amidst a dearth of other major industries that could match oil’s economic output, taxation emerges as the most reliable income source capable of meeting escalating government expenditure demands. This thesis critically investigates Kuwait’s current income tax system, particularly considering global shifts in taxation policies. As a rentier economy heavily reliant on oil exports, Kuwait does not impose personal tax or VAT. Instead, it primarily relies on corporate tax—an income tax levied on net profits, notably from foreign companies operating within the country. However, this system is marked by ad hoc arrangements, inconsistencies, and meagre tax rates. Legislative loopholes further complicate the landscape, creating uncertainty, inviting tax disputes, and providing opportunities for multinational companies to exploit intricate schemes to evade taxes. Given the country’s economic and political circumstances, the likelihood of significant alterations for these features is slim. Therefore, this thesis advocates addressing legislative deficiencies to bolster tax revenue and prevent exploitation. The thesis explores two primary challenges in determining tax liability and ensuring that multinational corporations pay an appropriate amount of income tax in Kuwait. The first challenge pertains to the tax nexus for foreign entities operating within Kuwait, where current regulations may inadequately capture the full range of business activities, leading to potential revenue leakage. The second challenge concerns the application of transfer pricing rules—a complex area of taxation prone to manipulation, resulting in reduced taxable profit and subsequent lower tax revenue. While Kuwait’s current tax system has historically served it to some extent, it cannot continue to do so amidst evolving economic changes. The thesis underlines the urgent need for fundamental tax reforms, emphasising the importance of a consistent, transparent, and equitable taxation system for the nation’s long-term economic stability and growth. The study proposes several measures to improve Kuwait’s tax system’s efficacy and efficiency, including policy reforms to combat tax base erosion caused by multinational entities’ avoidance schemes. As there is limited literature on implementing a new income tax nexus and transfer pricing system in Kuwait, this thesis analyses the potential of these proposed reforms to address the country’s dwindling revenue issue. The suggestions presented in the thesis intend to address the identified challenges and ensure a more equitable and robust taxation framework capable of facilitating sustainable revenue collection in Kuwait. By doing so, the thesis substantially contributes to the broader discourse on tax reform in oil-exporting countries, providing critical insights to inform policy decisions.