Taxes 145 countries agree on a compromise on minimum tax
More than 145 countries have agreed on an amendment to the global minimum tax treaty. A compromise has thus been reached with the USA on the taxation of large corporations.
06.01.2026, 15:46
SDA
The agreement reached after months of intensive discussions ensures that stability and legal certainty are guaranteed in the international tax system, announced the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
According to the minimum tax agreed in 2021 by the EU, the USA and around 130 countries, international companies with an annual turnover of at least 750 million euros should pay at least 15 percent tax regardless of where they are based. This is intended to prevent the shifting of corporate profits to tax havens.
Compromise exempts US companies from global tax
After taking office, US President Donald Trump declared the global minimum tax for large companies in the US to be ineffective. The White House saw the global tax agreement as an inadmissible encroachment on national sovereignty over finances and taxes. The agreement that has now been reached means that US companies will be exempt from the global minimum tax itself, but will be subject to tax in a parallel US system.
"This agreement represents a historic victory for the preservation of US sovereignty and the protection of American workers and companies from extraterritorial encroachment," said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The agreement ensures that American companies headquartered in the USA are only subject to tax there.
Klingbeil sees a balanced solution
"This agreement within the OECD is another success in the fight against tax dumping and tax havens," said Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil (SPD). The global minimum tax is essential for ensuring fair competitive conditions for companies in Europe and worldwide. "We have found a balanced solution that protects our interests. In addition, companies will be relieved by the simpler application of the regulations."
The EU Commission also welcomed the agreement under the umbrella of the OECD. This stabilizes the global minimum tax system and ensures the effective minimum taxation of multinational companies. The compromise contributes to a level playing field in global taxation.
