Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was € 2.2 billion in 2007 compared to € 2.3 billion in 2006. The tax expense in 2007 was primarily reduced by the effects of the German tax reform, utilization of capital losses, successful resolution of outstanding tax matters, recoverable taxes subsequent to decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Communities regarding the non-conformity of certain German tax provisions with the European Community Law, and claims relating to current and prior years. In 2006, the tax expense was primarily reduced by the effect of a German tax law change for the refund of prior years’ distribution tax credits, which resulted in the accelerated recognition of corporate tax credits and the settlement of tax audits at favorable terms. The actual effective tax rates were 25.6% in 2007 and 27.1% in 2006.