Introduction

Tax reform is an essential process for adapting a country’s tax system to meet the demands of the economy, society, and global competitiveness. Advocacy in tax reform plays a pivotal role in influencing public policy, driving legislative change, and ensuring that tax systems are fair, efficient, and aligned with national goals. This training course will provide tax professionals, policy makers, and advocates with the tools, strategies, and insights required to effectively advocate for tax reform. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the policy-making process, learn how to engage in effective advocacy for reforms, and explore the critical role of stakeholders in shaping tax laws.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will:

• Understand the key principles of tax policy reform and the advocacy process in tax matters
• Learn how to influence tax policy decisions through lobbying, coalition building, and public engagement
• Develop strategies for advocating reforms on issues such as progressive taxation, corporate tax rates, wealth taxes, and digital taxation
• Analyze the roles of politicians, lobby groups, and public opinion in shaping tax policy
• Explore the dynamics of international tax reform and the role of global governance in domestic tax systems
• Gain practical experience through role-playing and case studies to craft effective tax reform advocacy strategies

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for:

• Tax professionals and advisors who want to understand the policy advocacy process and become effective advocates for tax reforms
• Government officials, policy makers, and tax authorities involved in crafting and implementing tax reform policies
• Legal professionals specializing in tax law and public policy
• Corporate executives and finance directors who seek to influence tax reform for the benefit of their organizations
• NGO leaders, activists, and advocacy groups focused on social justice and equity in tax policy
• Economic analysts and academics studying the intersection of tax policy and public opinion

Course Structure – Two Advanced Sessions Per Day

Day 1: Introduction to Tax Reform and the Advocacy Process

Session 1: Understanding Tax Reform and Its Importance

• The role of tax reform in national economic strategy
• The drivers of tax reform: Economic, political, social, and global pressures
• Overview of key tax reforms: Income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, wealth tax, and carbon taxes
• Understanding the policy-making process: From policy formulation to legislation
• The impact of tax reform on economic growth, income distribution, and social equity
• Case study: The 2017 US Tax Reform (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act)

Session 2: The Tax Advocacy Process

• Defining advocacy in the context of tax reform
• Key players in tax reform advocacy: Politicians, lobby groups, think tanks, and public interest groups
• The stages of tax reform advocacy: Research, framing the issue, building coalitions, and engaging the public
• Effective lobbying techniques and messaging for tax policy change
• Using data and economic analysis to support tax reform arguments
• Case study: Advocacy for progressive tax reforms in Scandinavian countries

Day 2: Building Coalitions and Engaging Stakeholders

Session 3: Building Effective Coalitions for Tax Reform

• Identifying potential allies and opponents in tax reform campaigns
• Creating coalitions between businesses, NGOs, and political actors to push for reform
• The role of cross-sector collaboration in advancing tax reform agendas
• Developing shared goals and messages to unite diverse stakeholders
• Understanding the role of public-private partnerships in reforming tax systems
• Case study: Coalition-building for corporate tax reform in the EU

Session 4: Engaging Key Stakeholders in Tax Reform Advocacy

• The role of politicians and lawmakers in shaping tax reform legislation
• How to engage with public interest groups, academics, and tax professionals to influence tax reform debates
• Leveraging media and public campaigns to sway public opinion on tax issues
• Navigating public hearings and testimonies before legislative bodies
• The importance of citizen involvement in advocating for fair tax systems
• Case study: Public engagement in the debate over digital tax in the UK

Day 3: Influencing Tax Policy through Effective Communication and Advocacy Techniques

Session 5: Crafting Advocacy Messages for Tax Reform

• How to craft compelling advocacy messages on tax issues
• Tailoring messages for different audiences: Lawmakers, business leaders, the public, and international organizations
• The power of narratives and stories to engage and persuade
• The role of data visualization and statistics in supporting tax policy arguments
• Using social media and traditional media for effective tax advocacy
• Case study: Campaigns for the introduction of carbon taxes in Canada

Session 6: Lobbying and Legal Considerations in Tax Reform Advocacy

• Legal and ethical considerations in tax policy lobbying
• Understanding lobbying regulations and transparency laws
• How to lobby effectively without overstepping legal boundaries
• Crafting policy briefs and position papers to influence legislators
• The role of tax professionals in advocating for tax reforms within businesses and government
• Case study: Lobbying efforts for global tax reforms under the OECD BEPS initiative

Day 4: Understanding International Tax Advocacy and Global Tax Reforms

Session 7: International Tax Reform and Global Advocacy

• The growing influence of international tax reform: Key global initiatives (e.g., OECD BEPS, Global Minimum Tax)
• Understanding how international organizations shape domestic tax policies (e.g., IMF, World Bank, OECD)
• The role of cross-border coalitions in pushing for global tax reforms
• Understanding the impact of tax havens and the global push for transparency
• How to advocate for tax reforms that align with international standards
• Case study: Advocacy for digital tax in the EU and US

Session 8: The Impact of International Agreements on Domestic Tax Reforms

• The role of multilateral agreements in influencing domestic tax laws (e.g., Double Taxation Agreements, OECD MLI)
• Advocating for tax policy alignment with international standards and treaties
• The impact of global tax reform efforts on domestic tax systems (e.g., OECD BEPS Action Plan)
• Balancing national sovereignty with global tax cooperation
• Case study: How the global minimum tax is influencing domestic tax policy in different countries

Day 5: Practical Application and Simulation of Tax Reform Advocacy

Session 9: Designing and Implementing a Tax Reform Advocacy Strategy

• How to develop a comprehensive advocacy strategy for tax reform
• Aligning advocacy goals with political cycles and legislative agendas
• Tools and tactics for mobilizing supporters and engaging the public
• Navigating challenges in tax reform advocacy: Managing opposition, counterarguments, and media narratives
• Understanding the power dynamics in tax reform debates
• Case study: Successful advocacy for tax reform in Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Session 10: Role-playing Simulation: Advocacy for Tax Reform

• Participants will break into groups and simulate a tax reform advocacy campaign
• Each group will develop and present a strategy for advocating a specific tax reform issue
• Participants will role-play as lobbyists, policymakers, and media spokespeople to advocate for their proposed tax changes
• Peer feedback and group discussion on effective advocacy strategies
• Final thoughts and Q&A session

Conclusion & Certification

• Review of key lessons from the course and strategies for becoming effective advocates for tax reform
• Certificate of Completion provided to all participants
• Networking opportunities and final Q&A session