Effective tax systems are core to building the dynamic societies needed to power resilient economies.

Funding strategic infrastructure and essential public services like schools and hospitals, tax enables sustainable development. As Oliver Bäte, CEO of Allianz and B Team Leader says: “Economic growth depends on fair and effective tax systems. Responsible tax is a crucial part of this and helps build a future where everyone can truly thrive.”

Tax is one of the primary ways businesses can contribute to the societies in which they operate. Among companies that understand tax to be more than a legal obligation, a commitment to responsible tax can be a strategy to build trust, reduce risk and demonstrate integrity. Companies that endorse The B Team Responsible Tax Principles (“the Principles”) recognize that since tax is core to their social license to operate, it is imperative that they demonstrate a responsible approach.

A new report analyzing progress made by company signatories shows the overall performance across the Principles remained strong in 2024, with an average fulfillment rate of 92%. Notably, there is strong performance in the Principles covering accountability and governance, compliance and relationships with tax authorities. The report also highlights room for greater alignment with the Principles, including those relating to tax incentives and aspects of tax transparency.

To date, 28 companies spanning numerous sectors and geographies, with different sizes and ownership structures, have formally endorsed the Principles. Each signatory has charted its own unique path – with the Principles as the foundation. The report features stories of impact from six signatory companies, sharing how they have leveraged the Principles as a framework for meaningful action: Anglo American, Fortum, RELX, SBM Offshore, Shell and Unilever.

About The B Team Responsible Tax Principles

Developed by multinational businesses with input from civil society, investors and representatives from international institutions, The B Team Responsible Tax Principles were launched at the Tax & SDG Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in February 2018. The B Team Responsible Tax Principles are intended as a blueprint, designed to raise the bar on how businesses approach tax. They are the first consolidated effort from a group of cross-sector, cross-regional companies to articulate best practice in seven key areas of tax, from corporate governance to relationships with authorities to transparency. To learn more about The B Team, the Principles and how you can join this movement, see here or email ResponsibleTax@bteam.org.