Authors: Evangelos Chytis, Mihail Diakomihalis, George Alexopoulos

Title: Factors affecting the tax burden of Greek listed companies: findings before and during the financial crisis

Abstract

This paper investigates for the first time in our country the factors that influence the formation of the real  tax burden on the largest listed Greek Companies (FTSE / ASE 20-40-80 indices), as reflected in the Effective Tax Rate (ETR). The research is distinct for the years proceeding and those following the outbreak of financial crisis, covering the eight years from 2005 -2012.

The results show that during the pre-crisis period, the ratios for leverage, profitability (ROE) and Market to Book Value (MtV), have negative correlation with the ETR, but firm’s loss history has positive correlation. During the financial crisis, additional to above variable correlations, the firm size and profitability (ROA) seems to be positively correlated to the ETR, while the short-term lending rate has negative correlation.

Our findings concerning the relation of ETR to divided earnings per share might be useful for financial analysts, investors and regulators, while the evaluation of the gap between Book and Tax ETR might be of extremely significance for the tax authorities.

Future research could include a larger sample with financial years before the application of International Accounting Standards (IAS), in order to assess the impact of the IAS in the formulation of ETR.