Analysis reveals enforcement of dividend-withholding tax increases revenue in Denmark by 130%, suggesting positive outcomes for stock returns and investment rates.
We study the effect of stricter enforcement of the dividend-withholding tax (DWT). We focus on a 2016 Danish enforcement reform and compare Denmark to its Nordic neighbors. Throughout the Nordic stock markets, shares on loan spike sharply around dividend dates. These spikes are consistent with abuse of the DWT system. Postreform, spikes in Denmark disappear, and annual DWT revenue increases by 130 percent. Enforcement does not harm the investment climate as measured by Danish stock returns, investment rate, and dividend yield. (JEL G18, G35, G38, H26, K22, K34)
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Casi et al. (2026) studied this question.
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