Tax abuse, money laundering and corruption, plague the global financial system, a high-level UN panel reported on Thursday, launching an interim report that underscores the need for urgent reforms to achieve the 2030 Global Goals (SDGs).
In the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, tax systems should be reformed, and tax avoidance and evasion reduced, to ensure an economic recovery in which everyone pays their share, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Tax evasion across the world is “shocking” and costs governments some US$3 trillion every year, according to a UN independent expert.
Governments, especially in developing countries, rely on taxes to support economic and social development.
Alfred de Zayas is an Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
He’s urging the UN to establish an international tax authority to fight evasion and corruption and to phase-out tax havens.
