International Journal of Accounting and Taxation

The Effect of Dividend Tax on Earnings and Contributed Capital in Firm Valuation
Chia-Chun Hsieh, Ling-Yi Chou

Abstract
Earlier research applies theoretical valuation models in studying tax capitalization, an effect that results in different pricing on contributed capital, retained earnings, and net income due to dividend taxes. There are also debates regarding whether it is appropriate to apply the price-level model in empirical research, because the coefficients may be sensitive to model specifications. To further explore this issue, this paper investigates tax capitalization in different tax regimes, where individual dividend tax rates vary across countries and over time. First, we compare U.S. with Canada, which are similar in environment but different in the level of double taxation on dividends. We find differential pricing on retained earnings and contributed capital, but the magnitudes are inconsistent with the theory. Second, we examine a statutory tax rate change in Taiwan in 1998 when an “integrated” income tax system was implemented to alleviate double taxation on dividends. We find that changes in the pricing on retained earnings coincide with changes on dividend tax, but the results on the relationship between contributed capital and retained earnings are mixed. The results are more consistent with the argument that caution should be exerted when applying the model in studying tax capitalization effect.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijat.v3n1a7