Barriers to mobility: The lockout effect of U.S. taxation of worldwide corporate profits

Journal Article

Using data from a survey of tax executives, we examine the corporate response to the one-time dividends received deduction in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. We describe the firms' reported sources and uses of the cash repatriated and we also examine non-tax costs companies incurred to avoid the repatriation tax prior to the Act. Finally, we examine whether firms would repatriate cash again if a similar Act were to occur in the future. Overall, the evidence is consistent with a substantial lockout effect resulting from the current U.S. policy of taxing the worldwide profits of U.S. multinationals.

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Graham, JR; Hanlon, M; Shevlin, T

Published Date

  • 2010

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 63 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 1111 - 1144

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0028-0283