The World's Highest Corporate Tax Rates

With both economic growth and corporate profits under extreme pressure these days, corporate tax rates are under greater scrutiny around the globe. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has tracked corporate tax data from its member countries every year since 1981. The tax rates listed here are “combined corporate income tax rates,” a number that includes both national and local levies. It should be noted that the OECD only compiles corporate tax data on its 30 member countries, which do not include the BRIC nations, as these countries are not currently full members.So, which countries have the highest corporate tax rates? Click ahead to find out! And in case you were wondering, the lowest rates for OECD member countries are in Ireland (12.5%) and Iceland (15%).By Paul ToscanoPosted 13 May 2009

Photo: Steve & Jemma Copley Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 30%Current rate in place since: 2008Last Three Rate Changes2008: Reduced to 30%1989: Raised to 33%1988: Reduced to 28% from 48%, a rate in place since 1986.

Photo: orocain Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 30%Current rate in place since: 2008Last Three Rate Changes2008: Reduced to 30%2007: Reduced to 32.5%2006: Raised to 35% from 33%, a rate in place since 1981.

Photo: Jonny Ross Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 30%Current rate in place since: 2001Last Three Rate Changes2001: Reduced to 30%2000: Reduced to 34%1999: Raised to 36% from 33%, a rate in place since 1993.

Photo: Nallstar Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 30.18%Current rate in place since: 2008Last Three Rate Changes2008: Reduced to 30.18%2004: Reduced to 38.9%2003: Raised to 40.2% from 38.9%, a rate in place since 2001.

Photo: Phyllis Buchanan Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 30.38%Current rate in place since: 2002Last Three Rate Changes2002: Reduced to 30.38%2000: Rates stood at 37.5%**OECD data only dates back to 2000.

Photo: abdallahh Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 33.50%Current rate in place since: 2008Last Three Rate Changes2008: Reduced to 33.50%2004: Reduced to 36.12%2003: Reduced to 36.62% from 38.62%, a rate in place since 2002.

Photo: Till Westermayer Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 33.99%Current rate in place since: 2003Last Three Rate Changes2003: Reduced to 33.99%1993: Raised to 40.2%1991: Reduced to 39.0% from 41%, a rate in place since 1990.

Photo: Stéfan Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 34.42%Current rate in place since: 2006Last Three Rate Changes2006: Reduced to 34.43%2005: Reduced to 34.95%2004: Reduced to 35.43% from 36.43%, a rate in place since 2001

Photo: Andrew Bossi Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 39.25%Current rate in place since: 2008Last Three Rate ChangesRates have fluctuated within the narrow range of 39.25% and 39.44% since 1998. The largest year-over-year changes since 1981 were 1986-1987 (49.8% to 44.2%) and 1987-1988 (44.2% to 38.6%).

Photo: Paul Mannix Combined Corporate Income Tax Rate: 39.54%Current rate in place since: 2004Last Three Rate Changes2004: Reduced to 39.54%1999: Reduced to 40.9%1998: Reduced to 46.4% from 50%, a rate in place since 1990.**OECD data only dates back to 1990.Replay SlideshowThe World's Biggest Debtor NationsThe World's Best Places To LiveThe World's Safest Banks

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