Netherlands: new law to limit CEOs’ incomes

For the first time, a Parliament has decided to limit the remuneration of heads of businesses, with the adoption of a custom-made tax system. A new law, presented by Labor MP Paul Tang, was voted to that end on September 16, 2008, by a large majority of the Dutch Parliament. From January 1, 2009, the CEOs and managers of the approximately 90 companies listed in Amsterdam will have to obey new rules. (Ref. 080697)
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According to the new rules adopted by the Parliament, CEOs will be taxed up to 30% of their bonuses if they exceed net annual earning of over €500.000. Then, the shares of their own company will be frozen as soon as negotiations open for the possible buyout of the company. The companies themselves are exposed to heavy penalties – 15% of additional tax on their earnings – if the wages of the CEO is raised a few months before his departure to artificially inflate the pension. Finally, investment

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