OECD Tax Talks Need ‘Realistic Proposals,’ Former Official Says

Global digital tax talks could reach agreement if the U.S. backs off calls to make part of the OECD-led effort optional, Treasury’s former negotiator said.

“Negotiations have basically been on life support” since Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in late 2019 called for part of the rules to apply only as an optional “safe harbor,” said Lafayette “Chip” Harter. He served as deputy assistant Treasury secretary for international tax affairs until the end of November 2020.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is working to get 137 jurisdictions to address concerns that some multinationals—especially tech giants—aren’t properly taxed. ...