A majority of business people (79%) see no ambition in updating the IRS levels in 2023 and applaud the elimination of the tax loss deduction deadline, according to Deloitte’s 2023 Tax Competitiveness Monitor.
The study, which Lusa has access to, analyzes business perceptions of the impact of key fiscal measures for the 2023 state budget (OE2023) and concludes, if the IRS levels are updated, that the government was “not too ambitious” to that extent taking into account Inflation expectations.
On the other hand, at the IRS level, 78% of respondents agreed with the change in withholding tax being observed from July onwards which is closer to the progressive tax rate model.
The study concluded that 45% of business people believe that the tax measures set out in OE2023 have had or will have a negative impact on their companies (compared to 43% in last year’s edition) and 7% believe that this impact is positive (4% in last year’s edition). ). 2022).
In a more general analysis of the impact of OE2023, 54% rate the measures as negative for relaunching the economy, although half see this budget as positive for budget consolidation.
Among the OE2023 measures most valued by businessmen is the cancellation of the deadline for deduction of tax losses calculated in a given tax period, although the measure was accompanied by a reduction in the maximum possible deduction of taxable profit (which falls from 70% to 65%). ).
Among the measures that were approved by the majority of participants were also reducing the collection of tax on petroleum products and suspending the rate of addition to carbon emissions (78%) – while 56% defended the final reduction. Internet service provider – in addition to tax incentives for SMEs and incentives for company capitalization.
Business people were skeptical that the government’s fiscal policy had boosted companies’ development and competitiveness, with 70% giving a negative rating at this level (10 percentage points more than in 2022).
In evaluating support mechanisms and tax incentives for companies, 65% said that they had applied for these mechanisms in recent years, and the SIFIDE II system (System of Tax Incentives for Research and Business Development) was the most mentioned.
Maintaining these incentives is supported by 91% of businessmen, while 63% of them advocate strengthening mechanisms of this type, with a particular focus on productive innovation and technological research and development.
The study, which was based on a survey conducted in June and July addressed to a group of companies with tax headquarters in Portugal and in which 114 companies participated, this year contains a section on specific tax competitiveness in relation to ESG (environmental, social and economic) issues. Governance), with 45% of respondents reporting that they considered financial impacts when making or making decisions regarding investments in these areas, with environmental measures receiving the most attention.
Thus, due to the presence of tax advantages, “investments in energy optimization, consumption reduction, circular economy and renewal of the car fleet for electric or hybrid vehicles are given greater priority compared to equal gender wages, incentives for remote work or even work flexibility.” Working hours,” according to the study, noting that “the vast majority of participants (62%) did not apply for financial or tax incentives related to investment projects within the scope of environmental, social, and governance standards.”
