The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been urged by company directors to simplify the tax system and resist introducing any new taxes.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) also pressed the Government not to bring in any new burdens on business.
In its Budget submission, the IoD said Gordon Brown should aim for fiscal neutrality and "take no chances" with the economy.
"A generous tax giveaway can only mean interest rates will have to rise to support it," said head of policy Ruth Lea.
"The tax system is now just about incomprehensible to all but the most dedicated tax experts and the regulatory burden is strangling business, especially small firms."
Ms Lea said there was a "desperate need" for a simpler tax system, with fewer taxes and less red tape.
The IoD repeated its call for the proposed Employment Tax Credit to be dropped, warning it would add to the "payroll nightmare" for smaller businesses.
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