France tops OECD as most taxed country

Israel sees biggest increase in 2017, up 1.4 percentage points to 32.7% of GDP

PARIS (Reuters) – France overtook Denmark as the most taxed country in 2017 as government tax revenues in developed countries hit a record high, the OECD said, data which may do little to help President Emmanuel Macron placate protesters angered over living costs.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday overall government tax revenue on average reached 34.2% of gross domestic product last year among 34 developed countries for which the Paris-based body compiled data.

Though up only slightly from 34.0% in 2016, the figure was the highest average overall tax take since the international policy forum’s records began in 1965, it said.

In France, tax revenues rose to 46.2% of GDP, surpassing Denmark, where the ratio fell to 46.0%.

France’s high tax burden is a source of resentment among voters. A public rebellion dubbed the “yellow vest” movement erupted in mid-November in anger at high fuel taxes and the punishing cost of living. The protests have at times turned violent, in particular in Paris.

Macron’s government, which aims to gradually reduce the overall tax burden during his five-year term, on Tuesday suspended further planned increases in fuel taxes for at least six months to try to calm the spiraling crisis.

The OECD said the government tax take rose in 19 member countries last year and fell in 16.

Israel saw the biggest increase – 1.4 percentage points to 32.7% of GDP – due to a number of policy changes affecting taxes on income and profit.

The United States saw the second-biggest increase in 2017 – 1.3 percentage points to 27.1% of GDP, which the OECD said was partly due to a one-off repatriation of tax on companies’ foreign earnings.

Mexico had the lowest overall tax burden at 16.2%, the OECD said.