Tax statistics. Electric power station, 2003

The statistics include all taxpayers covered by the rules for taxation of electric power companies. The companies often engage in other activities in addition to electric power production, and a considerable part of the income comes from activities other than production of electric power.

Increase in tax on ground rent income

Ground rent income amounted to NOK 6.1 billion, an increase of NOK 2 billion compared to the previous year. Ground rent income is calculated for each electric power station in accordance with the Taxation Act, and is the basis for the calculation of tax on ground rent income, which is a state tax. Assessed tax on ground rent income was NOK 1.6 billion, an increase of NOK 542 million compared to 2002.

Stable tax on natural resources

Tax on natural resources was NOK 1.5 billion in 2003. This is on the same level as previous years. Tax on natural resources is assessed on the power station's average production of electric power during the last seven years. The tax is assessed to the municipalities and the counties and is calculated on the basis of a rate of NOK 0.011 per kilowatt-hour to the municipality and NOK 0.002 per kilowatt-hour to the county.

Distribution

The 10 per cent largest taxpayers measured by the size of assessed tax on natural resources, amounted for close to 72 per cent of total tax on natural resources. Furthermore, the half of the taxpayers with the least assessed tax on natural resources, amounted for less than 1 per cent of total assessed tax on natural resources.

Community tax and tax deductions

Taxable income for the power companies was NOK 13.1 billion. This resulted in an assessed community tax of NOK 3.7 billion, an increase of NOK 71 million or 2 per cent compared to the previous year. Tax deduction for received dividends amounted to NOK 1 billion in 2003. This is about the same as for 2002. Tax deduction for tax paid to foreign country was NOK 120 million, a reduction of NOK 101 million. Tax deduction for tax on natural resources amounted to NOK 1.6 billion, an increase of NOK 102 million. All these deductions are made in assessed community tax. In addition, the power companies had a tax deduction for expenses on research and development of NOK 10 million.

About the statistical basis

The statistics is based on the Directorate of Taxes' register for non-personal taxpayers after ordinary assessment. A new year-cycle with revised routines and assessment periods was introduced in connection with the assessment of business activities in 2003. This may result in revisions in the figures.

Tables:

• Table 1 Taxable income, assessed taxes and tax deductions. 1999-2003. NOK million
• Table 2 Basis for tax on natural resources and assessed tax on natural resources, by county. 2002-2003
• Table 3 Tax on natural resources, by deciles. 2003