Art der Publikation: Beitrag in Zeitschrift

Stakeholder perceptions of tax transperancy: evidence from GRI 207

Autor(en):

Hardeck, Inga; Hohlwegler, Olivia; Inger, Kerry K.; Moore, Rebekha D.

Titel der Zeitschrift:

Journal of Accounting and Public Policy

Jahrgang (Veröffentlichung):

2026 (2026)

Heftnummer:

57

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

doi:10.1016/j.jaccpubpol.2026.107439

Zitation:

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Kurzfassung

Abstract

We investigate stakeholder perceptions of events leading up to the introduction of the first standard for tax-related sustainability reporting, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 207. Issued by the Global Sustainability Standards Board, GRI is the dominant framework worldwide for voluntary sustainability reporting. First, we examine the perceptions of a broad group of stakeholders by analyzing comment letter responses to the GRI 207 exposure draft, finding that a majority of these responses support the standard and highlight increasing demand for tax transparency. Next, we focus on preparers of tax transparency reports by conducting qualitative interviews. Interviewees commented on the increasing pressure to provide tax information and concerns about implementation and proprietary costs, as well as skepticism about the benefits. Finally, we use an event study to examine investor perceptions in which we document significant negative average cumulative abnormal returns surrounding events surrounding the adoption of GRI 207 for a sample of European GRI-reporting firms. We interpret this result as evidence that investors perceive the net costs of tax transparency under the new standard to be greater than the benefits. Our findings reveal varying viewpoints on the benefits and costs of tax transparency, while underscoring the broader public-interest implications for policy and professional practice.