The debate around corporate tax is complex and has often been polarizing, with implications that go beyond business to society as a whole. We took the decision early on that this is an area where we have great insight and should take a lead. Our focus is not only on our own role as tax advisors, but how business overall can be more active participants in what has become a very public debate.

In October 2014, KPMG in the UK launched a project we are calling `Tax for the Common Good’, where we are bringing together a range of thinking – from business, politicians, NGOs and, ultimately, the public – to create a dialogue about what constitutes responsible tax policy and behavior in today’s world.

We are hosting a series of face-to-face roundtable discussions in London and creating an online forum to encourage stakeholders to consider and voice their perspectives. In 2015 we will publish a white paper that summarizes the findings, in order to widen and sustain the dialogue.

To date we have been encouraged by the response from clients, the business community and tax authorities, and have had enthusiastic participation in the first of our roundtables. Operating tax systems for the common good is something we should all aspire to, and we believe that stakeholders coming together, through projects such as ours, can make a meaningful contribution in realizing this goal.